The Together for Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday 22 July 2026 to discuss the SEND inspection outcome and action plan, youth strategy development, and the Children's Rights and Cornwall Youth Council annual reports. The committee resolved to note the findings of the 2026 Area SEND Inspection, consider the proposed post-inspection priorities and strategic direction as part of providing comments to inform the finalisation of the Post-Inspection Action Plan. They also resolved to note the content of the report and provide any comments to inform the development of the Youth Strategy. Furthermore, they recommended Cornwall Council's Children's Rights and Cornwall Youth Council's Annual Reports 2025-2026 to Cabinet for approval, subject to the Committee's comments. Cabinet was recommended to take account of the Committee's comments in approving the Annual Reports.

SEND Inspection Outcome and Action Plan

The committee was informed about the outcome of the 2026 SEND inspection and the development of a subsequent action plan. This plan was informed by the inspection findings presented earlier in the year and Members' comments. The committee was asked to consider the inspection outcome, the strategic direction of the action plan, and endorse the framework for driving improvements across education, health, and care before its submission on 3 August 2026.

During the discussion, several points were raised. The Parent Carer Forum's involvement was highlighted, with the Inclusion and Participation Co-ordinator confirming positive engagement, though some concerns regarding timescales were noted. Feedback from the Forum had shaped the strategy, and representatives were involved in each improvement area, with opportunities for greater co-production in the longer term. The Council expressed a desire to strengthen engagement with the Forum, drawing on learning from Dorset, and involve it in shaping policy prior to Scrutiny.

The importance of including Electively Home Educated (EHE) families in the engagement process was emphasised due to the high number of such families in the area. The action plan will be regularly monitored by individual leads and reviewed by the SEND Inclusion Board, with alternative actions and additional resources considered if progress is not on track. Performance data will be shared with Members for review, with concerns escalated through established governance arrangements. Updates can be provided to Members as frequently as required, including on a quarterly basis.

Concerns were raised about incomplete or still-validating baseline data for EHCPs (Education and Health Care Plans) and EHCP requests. The committee was informed that this information could be provided at any time and that the committee should determine how frequently it wished to receive updates through its work programme. Supporting data alongside future reports was deemed helpful. The action plan was developed alongside the SEND Reform Plan, and the Council will be operating within a dual system for the next few years, with an increased demand for EHCPs and further details on the SEND Reform Plan awaited from the Department for Education.

The committee resolved to note the findings of the 2026 Area SEND Inspection, consider the proposed post-inspection priorities and strategic direction, and provide comments to inform the finalisation of the Post-Inspection Action Plan ahead of its submission to the Department for Education.

Youth Strategy Development

A presentation was given on the background to the Youth Strategy, providing an early opportunity to help shape it. Members were advised that the matter would be reviewed again later in the year.

Discussion revealed that the years following the Covid-19 pandemic had been challenging, affecting how young people engaged with their communities and schools. Many of the identified gaps in provision and coordination reflected national trends, with some arising from the impact of lockdowns and changing needs among young people. The area's rural and coastal geography presented additional challenges. Nationally, youth work had often been overlooked, and the recently launched Youth Matters national policy was the first youth work strategy in 20 years. The Council is seeking to take a more holistic approach to youth work.

Engagement with parish and town councils is being considered as part of the process. A delivery framework is being developed to support local working and engagement, with virtual youth clubs being used as an initial step to increase accessibility. Work is underway to explore how transport barriers can be addressed through the strategy, and Members were asked for their views on ensuring children have access to safe and appropriate transport, particularly in rural and isolated areas.

There was a request to ensure all youth organisations are included in the Youth Strategy, noting that some appeared to have been omitted. A gap in engagement with early teenagers was highlighted, and the Children's Right On Survey would be used to help capture the views of this age group. The estimated cost of delivering the Strategy was to be reported back to the Committee. The Cornwall Educational Partnership was suggested as a potential channel for gathering and providing feedback. Contingency plans for smartphone-free schools or social media restrictions affecting access to Virtual Youth Clubs were under consideration, with the Council supporting the rationale for keeping young people safe.

The committee resolved to note the content of the report and provide any comments to inform the development of the Youth Strategy.

Children's Rights and Cornwall Youth Council Annual Reports

The Strategic Director for Together for Families highlighted the presentation of the children's rights and youth council annual reports to Scrutiny and Cabinet for approval, noting the Council's adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in January. Efforts are underway to strengthen children's sense of belonging and ensure their voices are considered in future decision-making.

During discussion, clarification was sought on the questions to be included in the next Right On Survey, with consideration to be given to the appropriateness of the questions. The impact of young people's views and tangible outcomes achieved were discussed, with a strong track record of engaging annually with young people and reporting on actions taken. The Youth Council elections were based on campaign statements, enabling priorities to be identified clearly, and elected young people are working on their campaign commitments.

Some SEND initiatives have originated from Youth Council members with lived SEND experience, providing a tangible example of young people influencing service delivery. Young people have also been involved in a recent dentistry summit. Housing was identified as an area where young people's views had not yet been sufficiently captured. Following discussions at the July Changemakers Summit, young people will be engaging with GLL to help shape future leisure provision.

Assurance was sought that girls were able to express their needs and were adequately represented, with the advice that girls are vocal about their needs and that young people have actively championed the representation of girls' views. The work of Youth Members in promoting period dignity at Parliament was highlighted as a positive example. Efforts are also being made to ensure that boys can advocate for girls' needs and issues.

The committee resolved to recommend Cornwall Council's Children's Rights and Cornwall Youth Council's Annual Reports 2025-2026 to Cabinet for approval, subject to the Committee's comments. They also thanked the Youth Council for their report and the outgoing Chair, Rose, and welcomed the new Chair, Gabriel. Cabinet was recommended to take account of the Committee's comments in approving the Annual Reports.