The Children and Education Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday 22 June 2026 to review a range of reports concerning the council's services for children and families. Key discussions are expected to cover youth participation initiatives, financial performance of children and families services, updates on service delivery, progress on task and finish groups, and the council's forward plan.

My Say Matters Youth and Democracy Report

The Sub-Committee is scheduled to consider the My Say Matters Youth and Democracy Report April 2025 - March 2026 ¹. 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 ². 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. It is expected to provide an account of activities between 2025-26, including demographic details of participants, their views, and the impact of their involvement. The report recommends that the committee scrutinises these reports and notes the benefits of civic participation for young people.

Children and Families Quarterly Financial Report

A review of the Children and Families Quarterly Financial Report 2025-26 Financial Outturn & Budget Management ³ is scheduled. This report summarises the council's financial and capital outturn for the financial year ending 31 March 2026. It is expected to detail the revenue expenditure outturn for Children and Family Services, noting an overspend of £0.207m against the agreed budget. The report highlights that the overall council position for revenue expenditure outturn is an underspend of £9.775m. The Sub-Committee will be asked to consider this financial outturn and identify any areas for in-depth scrutiny or referral to the Cabinet.

Children and Family Services Quarterly Update

The Sub-Committee is set to receive a quarterly update on key activities within Children and Family Services. This update will cover progress since the last reporting period and will ask Members to perform their scrutiny functions. The report is expected to include information on the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 ⁴, detailing reforms in children's social care, safeguarding, and education. It will also provide an update on the Barnet SEND Reform Plan ⁵, outlining the borough's approach to national SEND reforms, and a Pupil Place Planning Update June 2026 ⁶, which addresses falling pupil numbers and the need for sustainable school provision. Performance data for initial contacts, referrals, early help, safeguarding, corporate parenting, and placements is also anticipated.

Task and Finish Group Updates

An update on the progress of various Task and Finish Groups is scheduled. These groups undertake in-depth reviews of specific issues. The reports indicate that updates will be provided on the Allotment Management and Governance Task and Finish Group, the Food Security Task and Finish Group, the Fostering Task and Finish Group, and the Sustainable Travel Task and Finish Group. Additionally, updates are expected on the Fast Food Task and Finish Group, the Young Carers Task and Finish Group, the Flats above shops (flash) Task and Finish Group, and the Emotionally Based School Avoidance Task and Finish Group.

Cabinet Forward Plan (Key Decision Schedule)

The Sub-Committee will consider the Cabinet Forward Plan (Key Decision Schedule) 2026 ⁷. This plan outlines upcoming key decisions that the Cabinet proposes to take. The Sub-Committee is requested to review this plan and identify any items they may wish to request for pre-decision scrutiny during 2026. This process allows for non-Executive Members to provide input on major policies and strategies while they are in development.

Children and Education Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee Work Programme

Finally, the Sub-Committee will review its draft Work Programme for 2026-27. This programme outlines the topics that the committee intends to scrutinise throughout the year. The Sub-Committee can make amendments to this programme to respond to emerging issues or to incorporate new pre-decision scrutiny items before they are considered by the Cabinet or the full Council. The work programme is informed by suggestions from councillors, officers, the public, community groups, and the voluntary sector, aiming to address local priorities and concerns.