The Children, Families, Lifelong Learning and Culture Select Committee met on Wednesday 10 June 2026 to discuss a range of critical issues affecting children and young people in Surrey. Key discussions included the significant pressures on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Alternative Provision (AP) sufficiency, proposed amendments to the Home to School Travel Assistance Policy, and an independent practice review into safeguarding arrangements following the tragic death of Sara Sharif. The committee also reviewed performance assurance data and Ofsted reports for children's homes.

SEND and Alternative Provision Sufficiency and Unmet Need

The committee received an update on the significant and growing demand for SEND and AP provision across Surrey, noting that demand continues to outstrip local capacity. Councillor Helen Clack, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Lifelong Learning, highlighted that while over £260 million has been invested in creating additional capacity since 2019, there remains a shortfall, particularly for children with autism. The report detailed a projected increase in EHCPs by approximately 3,500 to 4,000 by the end of 2029. A key concern raised was the disparity between East and West Surrey, with West Surrey experiencing higher overall growth and pressure across all phases, while East Surrey faces more targeted pressure, particularly in SEMH pathways and at transition points. The committee noted the challenges in addressing this demand, including the long timescales for capital projects and the need for a coordinated whole-system response.

Home to School Travel Assistance Under-16 Policy

Proposed amendments to the Home to School Travel Assistance Policy were scrutinised, aiming to align with legal compliance, national guidance, and consultation feedback. Debra Smith, Service Manager for the Surrey School and Travel Assessment Team, explained changes focusing on clarifying the definition of the nearest school, updating wording to reflect expanded free school meal eligibility, confirming distance eligibility measurement by walking route, clarifying transport for Education Other Than At School (EOTAS) and alternative provision, and reflecting Public Service Vehicle Accessibility Regulations (PSVAR). Concerns were raised by councillors, including Councillor Chris Townsend, about ensuring suitability over distance for SEND children, and by Councillor Rachel Lake BEM regarding the appeals process and evidence requirements. The committee discussed the potential impact on families with English as an additional language and those who are illiterate, with assurances given about improved communication and support. The potential for increased appeals due to policy changes was acknowledged, and the development of an online mapping tool to improve transparency was highlighted.

Independent Practice Review

Jenny Coles, an independent consultant, presented the findings of a review commissioned by Surrey County Council into its children's services and partners' response to the Sara Sharif Local Safeguarding Practice Review. The review found substantial and sustained improvement, with strong multi-agency collaboration and workforce development. However, areas for further development were identified, including a focus on physical abuse inquiries, enhancing communication with schools, strengthening the strategic reach of the Local Safeguarding Partnership, and improving its links with domestic abuse and crime partnerships. Councillor Lance Spencer, whose division was affected by the tragedy, asked about ongoing risks and the easiest changes to implement for the biggest impact. Tanya, representing Surrey Police, and Naomi Ellis, Deputy Chief Nursing Officer for NHS Surrey and Sussex, provided insights into improved multi-agency working and the impact of organisational changes. School representatives, including Mary Ellen McCarthy, Co-lead for Surrey Primary Faith Council, expressed concerns about inconsistent responses from children's services, the application of thresholds, and the need for schools to be considered as a fourth partner. Rachel Wardell, Executive Director for Children, Families and Lifelong Learning, acknowledged these concerns and committed to further discussions.

Performance Assurance

The committee reviewed the Q3 and Q4 2025/26 Performance Assurance Report, noting that while many indicators were rated green, there were significant pressures highlighted in areas such as Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) issued on time, repeat referrals to Children's Services, and the placement of looked-after children. Councillor Rachael Lake BEM expressed concern about the reduction in the number of directors (not assistant directors, as initially misspoken) and the impact of concurrent changes on capacity. The committee requested continued updates on capacity issues.

Children's Homes Ofsted Reports

The committee noted recent Ofsted reports for Surrey County Council-run Children's Homes, acknowledging some recent downgrades. It was suggested that these issues be further reviewed by the Corporate Parenting Board, and the committee sought to remain engaged to offer support where possible. Two specific homes were mentioned: one short-break service rated good which has been beneficial in preventing psychiatric admissions, and another children's home rated requires improvement to be good due to issues with the physical environment, inconsistent management oversight following incidents, and restricted access to snacks.

Recommendations and Action Tracker, and Forward Work Programme

The committee discussed the recommendations tracker and forward work plan. It was agreed to add SEND sufficiency to the forward work programme and requested a member briefing on the Government's SEND reforms. Concerns were raised about the lack of a public paper on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) service separation and transition planning, with officers advising that reporting arrangements were being determined by the Chief Executive. The committee also agreed to work offline with vice-chairs to refine additional recommendations regarding inclusion bases and revised SEND reform forecasts.

The committee also discussed the Home to School Travel Assistance Policy recommendations, agreeing to remove a recommendation regarding feeder schools based on the discussion and to reword another concerning feeder schools to reflect the nuances discussed. A recommendation to retain two councillors on appeals panels was also discussed, with agreement to explore more effective methods for councillor engagement before finalising.

Finally, the committee agreed to amend recommendations offline regarding journey times and the inclusion of the council's GIS tool in the policy, acknowledging the timing issues with the tool's development.