The Families, Health and Care Policy and Accountability Committee met on Monday 29 June 2026, where members reviewed the findings of a highly positive Ofsted and Care Quality Commission inspection of local SEND services, and received an update on the ongoing improvement journey for Adult Social Care. The committee also noted key achievements from the Corporate Parenting Board for the 2025-2026 period.

Local Area SEND Inspection Update

The committee received a report detailing the findings of a recent inspection by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) into the local area's provision for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The Hammersmith & Fulham Children's Health, Education and Social Care partnership achieved the highest possible outcome, with inspectors stating that arrangements typically lead to positive experiences and outcomes for children and young people with SEND. The report highlighted that the partnership is taking action where improvements are needed.

Key strengths identified included that children and young people with SEND are highly valued, visible and included and that the partnership actively engages with them to ensure their views inform local decisions. The parent carer forum was praised for its strong advocacy and instrumental role in shaping strategy. The inspection also noted a highly skilled and thoughtful workforce across education, health, and social care, with needs generally identified in a timely manner and support delivered with compassion and care. Children and young people with SEND were found to have access to a wide range of support and many had positive educational experiences, preparing them well for their next steps. Health needs were also identified well, with strong multi-agency working and clear planning at transition points. Specialist family and youth hubs were highlighted for providing integrated access to services and opportunities for inclusion.

Areas identified for improvement, which were already known to the Local Authority, included reducing waiting times for a diagnosis of a neurodevelopmental need and for wheelchair repairs and reviews. The report also noted that EHC plans are not always updated in a timely way following annual reviews. The council outlined actions being taken, including increasing capacity for assessments, workforce training, and exploring digital options for neurodevelopmental diagnoses, as well as implementing a remedial action plan for the Wheelchair Service. For EHC plans, an EHCP quality assurance framework is being used to improve plan quality through co-produced templates and workforce development.

Adult Social Care Improvement Journey

The committee received an overview of the Adult Social Care Self-Evaluation, which detailed the service's current position, including key strengths, challenges, and priorities for improvement. The report indicated that significant progress has been made over the past 12 months, with measurable improvements in performance, access, and service stability. Waiting times for assessments have reduced, and performance in relation to reviews has improved.

A key strength highlighted is the council's strong and well-regarded reablement offer, rated Outstanding by the CQC, which supports residents to regain independence after hospital discharge. The report also noted strong support for young people transitioning to adulthood, with a dedicated Transitions Team and coproduced protocols. Partnership working, particularly with health partners, has strengthened, leading to more coordinated responses and reduced duplication. Leadership and governance have also been enhanced, with clearer oversight of performance and risk.

Areas of focus include addressing demand pressures, particularly at the Front Door and for services supporting complex needs, with clear recovery plans in place. The report stated that strengths-based and person-centred practice is progressing, with ongoing improvement programmes to enhance care planning. Support for unpaid carers is being strengthened through the commissioning of a new Carers Hub. The council is also focusing on enhancing the accessibility of information and advice to support a preventative approach. Market sufficiency is being addressed through a programme of market development and recommissioning to expand local provision and reduce reliance on out-of-borough placements.

Corporate Parenting Board - Key Achievements 2025-2026

The committee noted the key achievements of the Corporate Parenting Board for the 2025-2026 period. These included strengthened governance and oversight to keep children looked after and care leaver outcomes central to the board's work. Improvements in data quality and analytics were made, enhancing the tracking of missing episodes and health assessments. The board also saw advances in fostering and kinship support, with streamlined recruitment and support processes. Furthermore, care leaver support was enhanced through improved housing pathways and active participation of young people. Specific achievements mentioned included detailed analysis of placement stability, improved compliance with health assessments, enhanced recruitment and support for foster carers, and the implementation of LBHF's Kinship Strategy offering needs-led support. Care leaver housing support was strengthened, reducing eviction rates, and employment pathways were expanded through engagement with over 90 organisations. The Virtual School also improved PEP completion and Key Stage 4 results through stronger academic support.

Introduction to People Services

The committee received a presentation providing an introduction to People Services, which encompasses Children's Services, Adult Social Care, and Public Health. The presentation outlined the structure of these services, including their respective remits and priorities. Children's Services cover areas such as school improvement, SEND, early years, child protection, and corporate parenting. Adult Social Care includes services for older people, physical support, specialist services for mental health and learning disabilities, and safeguarding. The Commissioning, Transformation and Health Partnerships team focuses on needs analysis, service design, strategy development, and integrated commissioning. Public Health priorities include tackling health inequalities, preventing ill health, reducing lifestyle risks, and supporting healthy ageing.

Briefing Note on Scrutiny and the Role of PACs

The committee noted a briefing note on scrutiny and the role of Policy and Accountability Committees (PACs). The note explained that scrutiny is vital for transparency and accountability, with PACs serving as the primary forum for this activity. Their core functions include performance monitoring, policy review and development, and decision scrutiny. The briefing emphasised an evidence-based approach, cross-party collaboration, and forward planning as key to effective scrutiny, ultimately contributing to enhanced accountability, improved service delivery, and better-informed decision-making.

The Committee's Terms of Reference

The committee noted its Terms of Reference, which outline its membership, quorum, and principal functions. These functions include discharging powers related to scrutiny under the Local Government Act 2000 and the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007, as well as specific functions under various Health and Social Care Acts. The committee is responsible for developing policy, monitoring administration and spending, reviewing the impact of decisions, and scrutinising relevant Cabinet Members. Its scope covers children and young people's education, SEND services, child protection, health and safeguarding, NHS services, mental health services, adult social care, and related budgets.

Families, Health and Care PAC Work Programme 2026/27

The committee discussed its work programme for the upcoming year. While specific details of the programme were not elaborated upon in the provided transcript, the agenda indicated that this item was for discussion.

The committee also noted the dates of future meetings: 2 November 2026, 26 January 2027, and 19 April 2027.