The Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Panel of Doncaster Council met on Friday 17 July 2026 to discuss a range of services for children and young people. Key topics included the Best Start for Life programme, early intervention, and youth services, with a particular focus on the EPIC youth hub and support for care leavers. The panel also reviewed the council's overview and scrutiny work plan and forward plan of key decisions.

Best Start for Life Programme, Early Intervention and Universal and Targeted Youth Services

The panel received an overview of the Best Start for Life programme, which aims to strengthen community-based support for babies, children, and families through a network of Family Hubs. This programme integrates local authority services, health partners, education, and voluntary organisations to provide early intervention and prevention services. Councillor Rebecca Booth, Chair of the Panel, highlighted the importance of this initiative in ensuring children have the best possible start in life and reducing inequalities.

A significant portion of the discussion focused on the EPIC (Encouraging Potential Inspiring Change) youth hub, located in the French Gate Shopping Centre. Councillor Bob Anderson praised the hub, noting the high level of engagement and its positive impact on reducing anti-social behaviour in the area. Rianna Nelson, Executive Director for Children, Young People and Families, reported that from April 2025 to March 2026, the EPIC hub had 2,515 individual children attend a total of 8,396 times, with an average attendance of four times per child. She also highlighted that the hub had been recognised nationally for its exemplary partnership work at the 2026 Resolve Awards.

However, Councillor Gerald Squire raised concerns about the visibility of staff interaction during his visit and questioned the effectiveness of EPIC in reducing anti-social behaviour beyond the immediate vicinity of the shopping centre. He also raised points about the lack of direct parent interaction and the absence of take-home literature for educational purposes. Andy Hood, Service Director for Early Interventions, Partnerships and Localities, responded by explaining that EPIC is designed as a child-only safe space to ensure safety and that educational content is primarily delivered online via young people's phones. He also clarified that while some items may occasionally be stolen, the vast majority of young people use the space safely and constructively. The potential expansion of the EPIC hub was also discussed, contingent on securing further funding.

The panel also heard about the Dark Nights programme, an educational initiative in schools focused on the harms associated with autumn and winter, and providing safe spaces for children. Councillor Bob Anderson, who had attended a session, found it to be a great programme with significant engagement from young people. The continuation of this programme was confirmed, and councillors were invited to attend.

The discussion also covered the Doncaster Family Model, which sets out training for all staff in areas such as restorative practice, trauma-aware practice, and solution-focused practice. This model aligns with national Families First programme reforms.

Support for Care Leavers

The panel received an update on the support available for care leavers aged 16 to 25. Rhianna Nelson reported that out of 306 young people in this age cohort, 217 were not in education, employment, or training (NEET). However, she emphasised that the council actively works with these young people, considering factors such as disability or new parenthood. The in-touch rate for care leavers was reported to be between 95% and 98%, indicating consistent engagement with the care leaving service.

Specific figures were provided for 16 to 18-year-olds: out of 59 care leavers, 49 were in education or training, with only 10 NEET. The council is ambitious for its care leavers, with 22 currently attending university, a significant increase from previous years. Support for university students includes practical items, emotional support, accommodation costs, and course-specific equipment.

Councillor Gerald Squire inquired about the measures used to re-engage NEET young people. It was explained that pathway plans focus on education, training, and employment, with efforts to understand individual aspirations. The council collaborates with DN Colleges Group to offer flexible carousel courses and works with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to support young people. The period between 19 and 20 years old was identified as a high-risk time for young people to become NEET.

Councillor Dave Knight commended the hands-on work of Rhianna Nelson and Lisa Peacock, Interim Head of Service for Early Intervention and Prevention, in supporting Doncaster's children. He also asked about support for apprenticeships, and it was explained that the DWP-funded ASK (Apprenticeship Support and Knowledge) programme offers sessions to schools and colleges to increase knowledge of apprenticeships.

Educational Healthcare Plans (EHCPs) and Mental Health Support

The panel was informed that 91.7% of young people aged 16 to 17 with an EHCP remained in education, employment, or training, which is higher than the national average. While there are sufficient supported internship placements locally, these are limited to vocational areas, and the council plans to broaden the choice of providers. For young people aged 16 to 25 with EHCPs, 89.9% of 16 to 18-year-olds and 93.2% of 19 to 25-year-olds were in education and learning.

Regarding mental health, for 16 to 18-year-olds, the Doncaster CAMS service has short waiting lists, averaging three weeks. For care leavers aged 18 and over, the council has developed in-house services, including a Keys to My Wellbeing programme, which offers mindfulness and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). This approach aims to prevent care leavers from experiencing delays in accessing adult mental health services. Andy Hood noted that having a psychology service within children's services is not the norm but has been a valuable investment for Doncaster.

Workforce and Service Delivery

The panel discussed the importance of a high-quality workforce. A key challenge identified is the recruitment of speech and language therapists, a national shortage. The council is exploring grow your own schemes to address this. However, overall retention rates for the workforce are high, and staff are well-trained.

The gender balance of the workforce was raised, with an acknowledgement that the social care workforce is predominantly female. This is particularly noted as a challenge in domestic abuse services, where more male staff are needed. The EPIC hub, however, has a near 50/50 gender balance. Efforts are being made to encourage more young people, particularly young men, to consider careers in social care and other council services.

The panel also heard about the council's commitment to incorporating the voices of children and young people in service design. Examples included the designation of care experience as a protected characteristic in Doncaster and the naming of the EPIC hub. The council also has an active youth council and a child-friendly charter.

Other Matters

The panel reviewed the Overview & Scrutiny Work Plan for 2026/27 and the Council's Forward Plan of Key Decisions. Future topics for the Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Panel include children's social care overview, transformation with Families First, and SEND reforms.

A recommendation was agreed to arrange a visit to a Dark Nights programme session for the panel at a future date.

The meeting concluded with thanks to the officers for their input.