The Education and Local Economy Scrutiny Commission met to discuss potential topics for its 2026-27 work programme, including issues related to local economy, education, and children's services. The commission also received an update on the Ofsted inspection of Southwark's Children's Services.

Work Programme Discussion 2026-27

The commission discussed potential scrutiny topics for the upcoming municipal year. Councillor Tori Griffiths highlighted the importance of exploring the Southwark Works Initiative in more depth, particularly for individuals facing complex barriers to employment, and suggested extending this focus to youth networks. Councillor Jasmine Ali expressed a desire for a deep dive into youth employment challenges, noting the difficulty young people face in securing jobs despite the borough's good schools. She also suggested that the commission consider holding meetings outside of the town hall to gain different perspectives.

Several other areas were proposed for scrutiny. Councillor Griffiths advocated for a focus on SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) reforms, suggesting a day-long scrutiny session within a school setting. She also proposed a project-focused approach to examining the experiences of care leavers. Councillor Felicia Johnston raised concerns about falling school rolls in Southwark, referencing the closure of Mary Magdalene and Charlotte Sharman primary schools and the need to monitor the situation and consider the future use of school buildings. Councillor John Batteson cautioned against focusing on issues like business rates, over which the council has limited influence, and instead recommended prioritising topics where the council can effect change.

The commission also considered the Ofsted report on the Inspection of Local Authority Children's Services (ILACS). Key areas for development identified in the report included strengthening the response to children subject to police protection powers, improving the response to children in care who go missing, and enhancing the quality and consistency of management oversight and supervision. The report concluded that Southwark Children's Services remains good overall, with particular strengths in political and corporate leadership, a stable workforce, effective early help services, and good outcomes for children in care and care leavers.

The commission agreed to defer the final decision on the work programme until its October meeting to allow for further information gathering, including discussions with executive members and senior officers, in light of the new administration and potential revisions to the council's strategic priorities.

General Update on Bermondsey Blue - Business Improvement District (BID)

While not explicitly detailed in the transcript, the agenda indicated that a general update on the Bermondsey Blue Business Improvement District (BID) was to be received. This would have provided information on the activities and performance of this organisation, which aims to support businesses and enhance the local economy in the Bermondsey area.

Outcome of Ofsted Inspection of Local Authority Children's Services (ILACS)

The commission was presented with the outcome of the Ofsted inspection of Southwark's Children's Services, which took place from 9 to 13 March 2026. The inspection report, published on 18 May 2026, found that Southwark Children's Services remains good in all judgement areas. Key strengths highlighted included strong political and corporate leadership, a stable and skilled workforce, effective early help and prevention services, good-quality social work practice, and strong outcomes for children in care and care leavers.

However, Ofsted identified several areas for development. These included strengthening the response to children subject to police protection powers, improving the response to children in care who go missing, and enhancing the quality and consistency of management oversight and supervision. The report noted that these areas for improvement were already known to the service and that improvement activities were underway. The commission was asked to note the contents of the Ofsted report and the Consolidated Post-Inspection Action Plan.