The Children's & Education Select Committee of Buckinghamshire Council met on Thursday 18 June 2026 to discuss national reforms impacting children's services, the implications of the Schools White Paper, and an update on the Ofsted ILACS Improvement Plan. The committee also reviewed performance monitoring data and the council's work programme.

National Reforms across the Children's Services Landscape

The committee received an overview of significant national reforms reshaping children's services, including the Schools White Paper, SEND reform, and the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026. Councillor Carl Jackson, Cabinet Member for Education & Children's Services, and Errol Albert, Interim Corporate Director, highlighted that these reforms signal a major transformation towards more integrated, preventative, and multi-agency delivery models, with local authorities playing a central leadership role. The reforms aim to strengthen early intervention, enhance multi-agency working, improve consistency through national standards, and increase accountability. While many reforms are welcomed, there is uncertainty regarding detailed funding arrangements and long-term financial commitments from the government.

Schools White Paper

Councillor Jackson and Errol Albert presented the implications of the Government's Schools White Paper, Every Child Achieving and Thriving, published in February 2026. The paper sets out a 10-year reform programme to improve educational standards, close disadvantage gaps, and build a more inclusive, trust-led school system. Key proposals include reforms to SEND provision with a layered support approach and Individual Support Plans (ISPs), a new Pupil Engagement Framework to strengthen attendance and behaviour, and a move towards all schools being part of trusts. The paper also outlines plans for a refreshed National Curriculum from 2028, new enrichment benchmarks, and changes to workforce management, including improved maternity pay for teachers. The committee was informed that implementation will be phased, with significant planning required for SEND system redesign, funding changes, and strengthened local authority stewardship.

Ofsted ILACS Recommendations - Improvement Plan Update

Alison Munt, Service Director for Children's Social Care, provided an update on the improvement plan following the Ofsted inspection of Buckinghamshire Council between January and February 2025. Significant progress has been made in strengthening management oversight, with a shift to monthly supervision sessions and embedded quality assurance processes. A revised neglect strategy, supported by a new neglect assessment tool, has been developed in partnership with the Buckinghamshire Safeguarding Partnership to improve early identification and intervention. Efforts to strengthen family network engagement have included early identification at the referral stage, family network mapping, and increased use of Family Group Conferences. The committee heard about improvements in transition planning for older children in care and disabled young people leaving care, with a redesigned operating model and enhanced training for Personal Advisors. The quality of pathway plans for care leavers is being addressed through ongoing reviews and training, and the service offer for care leavers aged 21-25 is now needs-based, with most receiving dedicated Personal Advisor support. Engagement and participation of care-experienced children and young people in the Corporate Parenting Board are now embedded, with feedback gathered through We Do Care events and direct representation on the board.

Performance Monitoring Q4

The committee reviewed the performance indicators for the quarter.

• Percentage of looked after children (CLA) placed within the local authority's boundary: Performance remained at 47%, below the target of 57%. This is attributed to limited local capacity for children with complex needs and market constraints. Improvement actions include increasing internal bed capacity through the Residential Homes Programme and fostering initiatives.
• Percentage of new Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) issued within 20 weeks (excluding exceptions): The figure was 5.7%, significantly below the target of 38.2%. High demand for assessments and delays in Educational Psychology reports are impacting performance. However, the average waiting time has reduced, and an EHCP Recovery Project is underway.
• Percentage of children's social care assessments completed in 45 working days: Performance was 85%, slightly below the target of 86%. Measures remain in place to ensure compliance and quality assurance, with additional oversight from Heads of Service.
• Percentage of 19-21-year-olds who have left care that are in education, employment or training (EET): Performance stood at 59%, above the target of 51%. This is attributed to dedicated NEET officers, employment events, and the development of a Family Business Model.
• Percentage of re-referrals within 12 months: Performance was 20%, below the target of 27%. Reviews of MASH processes and quarterly audits are in place to ensure appropriate referral making.
• Percentage of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) maintained by Buckinghamshire with a mainstream placement type: The figure was 42.6%, slightly above the target of 42.5%. This improvement is due to data checking and system updates.
• Percentage of early childcare entitlement eligibility codes validated: Performance was 94% for the Spring term, above the target of 89.6% and in line with national and regional averages.
• School attendance rate: The attendance rate for pupils in state-funded schools was 93.7%, above the target of 93.2% and higher than regional and national averages.

Work Programme

The committee noted the upcoming Work Programme for 2026/27, which includes topics such as the Principal Social Worker Annual Report, SEND System Reforms, the Youth Justice Plan, the Best Start in Life programme, and updates on fostering and placement sufficiency. Members were encouraged to submit suggestions for future work programme items.

The next meeting of the committee is scheduled for 10 September 2026.