The Children, Families and Education Select Committee of Hillingdon Council convened on Tuesday, 18 June 2024, to discuss several key issues, including the membership of the Corporate Parenting Panel (CPP) for 2024-2025, persistent absenteeism in schools, and the committee's work programme for the upcoming year.

Corporate Parenting Panel Membership 2024-2025

The committee reviewed and approved the membership of the Corporate Parenting Panel (CPP) for 2024-2025. The CPP is responsible for overseeing the welfare of children in care and care leavers. The discussion highlighted the importance of having a diverse and experienced panel to address the complex needs of these children. Councillor Heena Makwana emphasised the need for a robust and committed panel to ensure the best outcomes for our children in care.

Persistent Absenteeism in Schools

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing the issue of persistent absenteeism in schools. The committee examined the Scoping Report on Persistent Absenteeism, which outlines the current state of absenteeism and proposes strategies to mitigate it. Councillor Tony Gill raised concerns about the long-term impact of absenteeism on educational attainment and social development. The committee agreed to implement targeted interventions, including increased parental engagement and support services for at-risk students.

Work Programme for 2024-2025

The committee also discussed its work programme for the upcoming year. The programme outlines the key areas of focus, including mental health support for children and young people, early years education, and safeguarding. Councillor Becky Haggar noted that the work programme is ambitious but necessary to address the pressing issues facing our children and families.

Witness Session 3

The committee reviewed the Witness Session 3 cover report, which summarises the findings from recent witness sessions. These sessions are part of the committee's ongoing efforts to gather insights from various stakeholders, including educators, social workers, and healthcare professionals. The findings will inform future policy decisions and initiatives.

Forward Plan

Lastly, the committee examined the Forward Plan, which details upcoming meetings and agenda items. This plan ensures that the committee remains proactive and responsive to emerging issues.