The People Committee met on Thursday 18 June 2026 to discuss a range of important issues concerning the council's services for children, young people, and adults. Key decisions included noting the policy and strategy overview for the year ahead, and the committee received updates on the Willow Rise Children's Home Ofsted report and the ongoing reforms to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services.

Policy and Strategy Overview

The committee received a comprehensive overview of the People Committee's role and responsibilities, including key policy updates, financial context, and strategic risks. Nick Ireland, Strategic Director of People Services, and Jonathan Williams, Director of Children's Services, presented the report, which outlined the committee's remit in overseeing Adult Social Care, Children's Social Care, and Education Services. The report highlighted the significant financial pressures facing these services, with the People Directorate accounting for two-thirds of the council's overall budget. It also detailed national legislative and policy changes impacting the services, such as the NHS 10 Year Plan and the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act. The committee noted the role and remit of the People Committee as set out in the report.

Reforming SEND Services in Sutton

The committee discussed the ongoing reforms to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services in Sutton, in light of national reforms proposed in the Every Child Achieving and Thriving white paper and the outcome of a local area SEND inspection. Kieran, Director for Education in Greater Sport and SEND Communities, presented the Sutton SEND reform plan, emphasizing the need for earlier intervention and a more needs-led system. The plan aims to rebuild mainstream capacity, strengthen accountability, and create local, high-quality, and cost-effective provision. The committee was informed that the current system would remain largely unchanged until 2029, with a significant financial challenge due to accumulated deficits in the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG). The plan includes four overarching goals: rebuilding sustainable co-production, strengthening joint leadership, building inclusive practice, and creating local, high-quality provision. The committee noted the update on the Government's Education White Paper and the progress made in preparing the Sutton SEND reform plan.

Willow Rise Ofsted Report

Jonathan Williams, Director of Children's Services, and Angela Killalea, Head of Service for Integrated Support and Safer Communities, presented the outcome of the Ofsted inspection for Willow Rise Children's Home. The service, which provides local residential care for up to six children, achieved an overall Good rating. The report highlighted the dedication of the staff and managers, the warm and welcoming environment, and the positive progress made by the children. Areas for improvement included strengthening recruitment processes and addressing fire safety recommendations more promptly. The committee noted the outcome of the Ofsted inspection for Willow Rise Residential Services and the overall Good judgement received.

Transforming Children's Care - Regionalisation Reform and London Initiatives

Lucy Pennie, South London Strategic Lead for Children and Young People, presented an overview of government strategy and legislation on regional collaboration for children's care arrangements and Sutton's engagement in London initiatives. The report highlighted the dysfunctional market for children's care placements, dominated by the private sector, leading to critical gaps in provision and unsustainable costs. To address these challenges, the government is encouraging regional cooperation through Regional Care Cooperatives (RCCs) and Fostering Hubs. Sutton has submitted expressions of interest for funding to support a London Regional Care Cooperative and a South West London Fostering Hub. The committee noted the contents of the report.