The People Committee of Sutton Council is scheduled to convene on Thursday, 18 June 2026, to discuss a range of important matters concerning the borough's services for children and adults. Key topics on the agenda include an overview of the committee's policy and strategy, an update on reforms for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and the outcomes of an Ofsted inspection for Willow Rise Children's home. Additionally, the committee will consider recent government strategies and London-wide initiatives related to children's care arrangements.

People Committee: Policy and Strategy Overview

The committee is set to receive an update on key developments across the areas for which the People Committee is responsible. This report aims to inform decision-making throughout the year and support the committee in scrutinising and challenging performance and delivery. It will outline the committee's role and responsibilities, provide context on key policy updates, offer a financial overview, and detail progress in delivering the Ambitious for Sutton agenda, including strategic risks and performance oversight. The report highlights that the People Committee is the Council's statutory education and social services committee, overseeing Adult Social Care, Children's Social Care, and Education Services. It also notes the committee's engagement with partners such as health services, schools, and various community organisations.

Reforming SEND Services in Sutton

A significant item on the agenda concerns the reform of services for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Sutton. The committee will receive an update on the work being undertaken by the local area partnership to enhance support for these young people. This discussion is framed by two key developments: national reforms proposed by the government in the white paper Every Child Achieving and Thriving, and the findings of a local area SEND inspection that took place in January 2026. The report indicates that national consensus points to a need for reform in SEND services due to increasing needs, reduced capacity in mainstream schools, and misaligned accountability structures, leading to significant deficits across local authorities. The government's proposed reforms include rebuilding mainstream capacity, introducing national standards for inclusion, and better access to educational psychology and therapies. Sutton is preparing its Local Area SEND Reform plan for submission to the Department for Education.

Willow Rise Ofsted Report

The committee will be updated on the outcome of the annual Ofsted inspection of Willow Rise Children's home, which took place between 17-19 March 2026. Willow Rise Residential Services, which includes Willow House, Oak House, and Cedar House, was registered as a multi-building children's home in September 2024 and achieved an overall Good rating in its recent inspection. The report highlights that staff show care, compassion, and warmth towards the children, who feel safe and are making good progress. Safeguarding practices are described as strong, and leaders and managers are noted as being dedicated and passionate, holding high aspirations for the children. Areas for improvement identified included staff not consistently following children's missing-from-care plans and delays in addressing fire risk assessments. The report also mentions that Sutton Council is committed to disseminating the expertise gained from developing Willow Rise and will host a South London pilot for a shared residential service.

Transforming Children's Care - Regionalisation Reform and London Initiatives

The committee will also consider recent government strategy and legislation concerning regional collaboration for children's care arrangements, as well as Sutton's involvement in London-wide initiatives. The report outlines the challenges within the current children's care home placement market, which is largely dominated by private providers, leading to critical gaps in provision and rising costs. To address this, the government is promoting the establishment of Regional Care Cooperatives (RCCs) to leverage the collective power of local authorities. London has submitted an expression of interest for DfE funding to support the establishment of a London RCC, which would focus on areas where scale, consistency, and collective action are needed to improve outcomes for children. Functions of the proposed RCC could include forecasting, planning, coordination of family placements, strategic market management, and workforce development. The report also discusses the government's Renewing Fostering policy and the potential for a South West London Fostering Hub to improve recruitment and assessment of foster carers.

The committee's responsibilities include overseeing Adult Social Care, Children's Social Care, and Education Services. The report on the Policy and Strategy Overview details the committee's role in recommending new policies and changes to existing ones, as well as responding to national policy developments. The committee also receives reports from the Local Safeguarding Children's Partnership (LSCP) and Sutton Safeguarding Adults Board (SSAB). Services overseen by the committee are subject to various inspection frameworks, including those from Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The report highlights that the Council dedicates a significant portion of its revenue budget to the People Services Directorate, with substantial allocations for Adult Social Care, Children's Social Care, and Education. Financial pressures are noted, particularly in Adult Social Care and Children's Social Care and Education, due to increased demand and rising costs. The committee will also be involved in the development of a new corporate plan following local elections in May 2026, which will include plans for children and young people, education, and older and vulnerable adults.