The Children, Schools and Families Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday 1 July 2026 to review the annual health report for children, young people and families, and to receive updates on children's social care reforms and the directorate's performance. Key discussions included the progress of Camden's Children's Social Care National Reforms, the challenges and opportunities within the Children and Learning Directorate's services, and the committee's work programme for the upcoming year.

Annual Health Report on Children, Young People and Families - 2025/26

The committee received an update on the health outcomes for children and young people (CYP) in Camden, focusing on population health metrics and inequalities. The report highlighted that while Camden's infant and child mortality rates were similar to national averages, there were concerns regarding vaccination coverage for children aged five, which was lower than national figures. Discussions also touched upon the challenges in CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) with significant backlogs and waiting times, and the growing issue of loneliness among young people aged 16-25, particularly those with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities). The impact of smartphones on mental health and youth safety was also raised, with officers noting the development of a smartphone guidance pack for schools. The committee noted the report, with a suggestion for future reports to include progress ratings against goals and more detailed information on free school meal uptake.

Children's Social Care National Reform: July 2026 Progress Update

An update was provided on Camden's implementation of the Children's Social Care National Reforms. The report detailed the progress made in establishing the Family Help model, which aims to integrate Early Help and Child In Need support. This new model, which became effective across all wards from 20 April 2026, builds on learning from a prototype in East Camden. Early data indicated a reduction in children subject to child protection plans and a decrease in step-ups between services. Case studies were presented illustrating improved practice in responding to domestic abuse, effective family-led decision-making, and enhanced multi-agency working. The committee also heard about the development of an adolescent support offer and the ongoing work on kinship care and the proposed North London Fostering Hub and Regional Care Cooperative. The committee noted the report, with discussions focusing on Camden's role in the Fostering Hub and RCC, the integration of multi-agency working with traditional risk hierarchies, and the reasons behind the reduction in child protection rates.

Insight, Learning and Impact Report – Children and Learning Directorate - Quarter 4/End of Year 2025-26

This report provided an overview of the performance, challenges, opportunities, and learning within each division of the Children and Learning Directorate for the year 2025-26. Key challenges highlighted included the impact of falling school rolls and the increasing demand for SEND provision, leading to financial pressures on schools. Opportunities included the development of a school sufficiency programme and a SEND and Alternative Provision (AP) Commissioning Plan. The committee raised concerns about the ongoing operational costs of Additional Resource Provisions (ARPs) and the need for a retrospective review. Discussions also covered the timescale for reports on surplus school places, the challenges in securing work experience for SEND students, and the difficulties schools faced with the government's new requirement for work experience at Key Stage 3. The committee noted the report.

Children, Schools and Families Scrutiny Committee's Work Programme and Action Tracker 2026/27

The committee reviewed its proposed work programme for the 2026/27 municipal year. The programme includes a range of reports on key areas such as the Annual Health Report, SEND updates, and Cabinet Member updates. The committee noted the report, with further discussion on the work programme scheduled for the Annual Work Planning Session.

The Chair announced that Camden's Local Area SEND Reform Plan had been submitted to the Department for Education, outlining a focus on improving support for children and young people with SEND in mainstream settings. The minutes of the meeting held on 23 February 2026 were approved and signed as a correct record.