The Children's & Education Select Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday 18 June 2026 to discuss significant national reforms impacting children's services, review the implications of the government's Schools White Paper, and receive an update on the improvement plan following an Ofsted inspection. The committee will also review its performance indicators for the past quarter and consider its work programme for the upcoming year.

National Reforms across the Children's Services Landscape

The committee is set to receive an overview of the significant national reforms reshaping the children's services landscape. This includes an examination of the government's policy and legislative reforms across social care, education, SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), and early help. The report highlights that these reforms signal a major transformation in the children's services system, with an increasing emphasis on more integrated, preventative, and multi-agency delivery models. Local authorities are expected to play a central leadership and convening role in responding to this pace of change. The report notes that these reforms introduce new statutory duties, strengthened accountability frameworks, and potential financial pressures, particularly in areas such as SEND, social care, workforce, and system redesign. Contributors to this discussion will include Councillor Carl Jackson, Cabinet Member for Education & Children's Services, and Errol Albert, Interim Corporate Director for Children's Services.

Schools White Paper

The committee will consider the implications of the government's Schools White Paper, titled Every Child Achieving and Thriving, which sets out a 10-year reform programme for the education system. The paper's central ambition is to ensure that every child can achieve and thrive, regardless of their background or level of need. The reforms cover attainment, disadvantage, SEND, curriculum, workforce development, and wider system structures, representing a significant shift in the responsibilities and expectations placed on local authorities. The report indicates that local authorities will have a central role in supporting schools to implement these reforms, particularly concerning SEND, attendance, inclusion, early years development, and system-wide collaboration. The paper signals major changes that require preparation, including an updated SEND Code of Practice, new National Inclusion Standards by 2028, refreshed curriculum and GCSEs from 2028–29, and new Trust Standards to strengthen accountability across the school system. Councillor Carl Jackson and Errol Albert are scheduled to contribute to this item.

Ofsted ILACS Recommendations - Improvement Plan Update

An update on the Improvement Plan following the Ofsted inspection of Buckinghamshire Council between 27 January and 7 February 2025 will be presented. The inspection focused on services for children in need of help and protection, children in care, and care leavers. The report indicates that significant progress has been made in strengthening practice, improving outcomes for children and young people, and embedding a culture of continuous learning and accountability. Key areas of focus include improvements in management oversight, the neglect strategy, family network engagement, transition planning, and care leaver support. Councillor Carl Jackson and Alison Munt, Service Director for Children's Social Care, are listed as contributors.

Performance Monitoring Q4

The committee will review the performance indicators for its area of remit for the fourth quarter of the financial year. This will involve examining key metrics related to children's services and education to assess progress against targets and identify any areas requiring further attention. Councillor Carl Jackson and all Members of the committee are expected to contribute to this discussion.

Work Programme

Members will have the opportunity to note the upcoming Work Programme for the 2026/27 council year. This agenda item allows the committee to plan its future scrutiny activities and identify key topics for discussion in the coming months.