The Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel met on Wednesday, 17 April 2024, to discuss a range of important issues affecting children and young people in Greenwich. Key topics included a review of emotional wellbeing support in schools, performance monitoring of children's services, and reports on elective home education, children missing education, and school exclusions. The panel noted all reports presented, indicating a steady state of performance across most areas with specific concerns and areas for improvement highlighted.

Scrutiny into Emotional Wellbeing Support for Children and Young People

The panel reviewed a report on the emotional wellbeing support for children and young people, acknowledging the creative and proactive measures taken by education leaders. However, significant challenges were identified, including difficulties in staff recruitment and retention, particularly in socially disadvantaged areas, which impacts the consistency of emotional support. Concerns were also raised about student safety when travelling to and from school, with specific areas like Plumstead and Abbey Wood noted for differing perceptions of safety. The report highlighted a post-pandemic increase in mental health issues among students, exacerbated by limited access to mental health professionals and the capacity of external services like CAMHS. The influence of social media on student behaviour, leading to conflicts that manifest in school, was also a significant concern, with both parents and schools struggling to manage its impact. The panel discussed the evidence of criminal activity in certain areas contributing to feelings of unsafety among students and the lack of a dedicated police liaison officer for schools. While initiatives like parenting classes and school mental health support exist, engagement from parents most in need remains a challenge, with concerns also extending to parental mental health. The distribution of students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) was also discussed, with suggestions for a more strategic approach to ensure resources are not overly strained in popular schools. The panel resolved to note the report, which will be forwarded to the Overview and Scrutiny Panel for further review.

Children's Services Quarterly Performance Monitoring Q3 2023-2024

A review of the Children's Services quarterly performance report for Q3 2023-2024 indicated a generally steady performance, with notable concerns in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) plans and child protection cases. A dip in SEND assessments within the 20-week timeframe was attributed to staff shortages and external pressures, though recruitment efforts are underway and interim support is available. The panel expressed concern over an increase in children being placed on child protection plans for a second time, with the Head of Performance Analysis Service & Management Information Systems Service explaining this was partly due to large families where each child is counted individually, and in some cases, re-referrals due to changed circumstances. Improvements were noted in finding suitable accommodation for care leavers. However, an increase in 16-17-year-olds not in education, employment, or training (NEET) was identified as a concern, with the Head of Performance Analysis Service & Management Information Systems Service agreeing to explore the characteristics of this group further. The report also touched upon the challenges some young people face in finding suitable post-16 options, particularly those not pursuing academic routes, and the ongoing efforts to provide more vocational pathways and apprenticeships. The panel resolved to note the Q3 performance monitoring report.

Elective Home Education (EHE) for Academic Years 2022-2023

The panel received a report detailing a significant rise in Elective Home Education (EHE), with 545 children currently registered. The primary reasons cited for home education included mental health concerns, dissatisfaction with school provision for children with special needs, and school avoidance due to fears of prosecution or long waiting lists for preferred schools. While no EHE children were found to be on child protection plans, concerns were raised about the limited visibility of these children, with current government guidance for monitoring visits deemed insufficient. The challenge of engaging parents, particularly those with their own mental health issues, was highlighted. The panel also discussed concerns regarding religious reasons for home education, suggesting increased engagement with faith communities to address potential misconceptions and build trust in the education system. The EHE officer noted that while religious reasons were mentioned by some parents, they were not the predominant factor. Tracking the educational outcomes of home-educated children was identified as challenging, as many do not sit traditional exams until post-16 and some are reluctant to share their achievements. The panel resolved to note the report on Elective Home Education.

Annual Report on Children Missing Education – Academic Year 2022-23

The Attendance Advisory Manager presented an update on challenges related to children missing education (CME), primarily linked to housing mobility and temporary accommodations. Families being relocated across different areas complicates school enrolment and attendance, although the Council works closely with housing services to track children and ensure school placements. Innovative support measures, such as providing facilities in temporary accommodation, have been implemented. The Council has also strengthened collaboration with schools through forums and training to identify children at risk of becoming CME early. Outdated CME regulations from 2016 were noted as a legislative challenge, with new statutory school attendance guidance expected to improve attendance and prevent CME. The implementation of Study Bugs, a live registration tool, has seen 90% of Greenwich schools adopt the system. The Attendance Advisory Manager confirmed improvements in housing services' proactivity in flagging families in temporary accommodation and noted that online learning is supported for children lacking access to education due to their housing situation. All schools are prioritizing attendance and using systems like Study Bugs to track students. The panel resolved to note the Annual Report on Children Missing Education.

Suspensions, Exclusions and Fair Access Annual Report for the Academic Year 2022-23

The Head of Virtual School and Inclusion Services provided a summary focusing on the collaborative approach to supporting children at risk of exclusion, including those with SEND and those experiencing emotional school avoidance. The Inclusion Service has expanded its resources, with over 50 staff supporting vulnerable students. A significant achievement highlighted was the absence of primary school exclusions in the current academic year, and the service successfully prevented 53 out of 64 notified exclusions. Multi-agency collaboration is key, with initiatives like the Safe Hands program and managed moves between schools. Efforts are underway to increase SEND provisions locally and reduce reliance on out-of-borough schools, with new initiatives including a partnership with Charlton Athletic Community Trust for alternative provision and a planned vocational program with Shooters Hill College. The disproportionate impact of exclusions on SEND students was attributed to a lack of adequate SEND provision and funding in mainstream schools. The Council's long-term strategy involves increasing designated SEND provisions and improving vocational options. The Chair commended the team's efforts in preventing exclusions and managing children missing education, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and multi-agency cooperation. The panel resolved to note the Annual Report on Suspensions, Exclusions and Fair Access.