The Children and Education Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday 22 June 2026. The meeting's agenda includes updates on youth and democracy initiatives, financial performance of children and families services, and progress on various task and finish groups. Members will also review the Cabinet Forward Plan and the committee's work programme for the upcoming year.

My Say Matters Youth and Democracy Report

The Sub-Committee is scheduled to review the My Say Matters Youth and Democracy Report for April 2025 to March 2026. This report details the council's universal youth and democracy offer for young people aged 11-18, as part of the My Say Matters Child Participation and Family Involvement Strategy ¹. The strategy aims to consult young residents and involve them in co-producing policy and services. The report covers activities related to the UK Youth Parliament, Barnet Youth Ambassador programmes, the Youth Assembly, and the Youth Board, providing an account of activities, demographic details of participants, and the impact of their involvement. The recommendations include scrutinising the report and noting the benefits of civic participation for young people.

Children and Families Quarterly Financial Report

A review of the Children and Families Quarterly Financial Report for 2025-26 is scheduled. This report details the council's financial outturn and budget management for the financial year ending 31 March 2026. The report indicates an overall underspend for the council, with Children and Family Services showing a slight overspend against its agreed budget. The report breaks down variances within Corporate Parenting & Disability and Help and Protection services, and also includes details on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) outturn, which shows an overspend primarily in the High Needs Block. The committee is asked to consider the financial outturn and identify any areas for in-depth scrutiny or referral to the Cabinet.

Children and Family Services Quarterly Update

The Sub-Committee will receive a quarterly update on key activities within Children and Family Services. This update will cover significant reforms introduced by the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 ², including a focus on early help and family-centred approaches, formal multi-agency safeguarding arrangements, and strengthened duties towards children in care and care leavers. The report will also detail progress on the Families First programme, which is being implemented in line with the new Act. Additionally, updates will be provided on the Barnet SEND Reform Plan ³, outlining the borough's approach to national SEND reforms, and a Pupil Place Planning Update, addressing the sustained decline in pupil numbers and its implications for school provision. Performance data for Initial Contact & Referrals, Early Help, Keeping Children Safe, Corporate Parenting, and Placements will also be presented.

Task and Finish Group Updates

An update on the progress of various Task and Finish Groups will be presented. These groups undertake in-depth reviews of specific issues. The report details the scope, evidence gathering, and progress of groups focusing on areas such as Allotment Management and Governance, Food Security, Fostering, and Young Carers. Updates on groups considering Sustainable Travel, Fast Food, Flats above shops, and Emotionally Based School Avoidance will also be provided, outlining their current status and future plans.

Cabinet Forward Plan (Key Decision Schedule)

The Sub-Committee will review the Cabinet Forward Plan for 2026. This plan outlines key decisions that the Cabinet proposes to take in forthcoming meetings. The committee is invited to consider the plan and identify any items they may wish to request for pre-decision scrutiny during 2026, which would then be incorporated into the committee's work programme. The definition of a Key Decision is provided, relating to significant expenditure, savings, or impact on communities.

Children and Education Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee Work Programme

The draft Work Programme for the Children and Education Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee for 2026-27 will be presented for comment. The work programme is developed with input from councillors, officers, the public, and community groups, aiming to address council priorities and issues where scrutiny can add value. The programme outlines planned reviews for the upcoming year, including updates on My Say Matters, Family Services, financial reports, Task and Finish Group activities, the Cabinet Forward Plan, and specific reviews on Regional Care Cooperatives, SEND, Safeguarding, and Education Standards.