The Children and Young People Committee of Redbridge Council met on Tuesday 14 July 2026 to establish its work plan for the upcoming municipal year. The committee agreed to focus its efforts on three key priority areas: Education Outcomes, Standards and Attainment; Engagement with Children, Young People, Schools and Stakeholders; and Early Help, Safeguarding and Youth Justice.

Children and Young People Committee Work Plan 2026-27

The committee discussed and agreed upon its work plan for the 2026-27 municipal year. Following a presentation by Judy Daniels, Interim Director of Children's Services, and Andrea King, Director of Education and SEND, the committee debated and ultimately selected three priority areas for in-depth review. These priorities were chosen to ensure the committee's work was purposeful, evidence-led, and aligned with the council's strategic objectives, while avoiding duplication with the work of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

The three agreed priority areas are:

• Education Outcomes, Standards and Attainment: This priority will involve a deep dive into how Redbridge's schools are performing, with a particular focus on identifying and addressing the needs of vulnerable children. Discussions will include school effectiveness, academic attainment, attainment gaps, and the potential for school reorganisation. The committee aims to understand how local policies and interventions can improve outcomes for all learners, with a specific interest in pupil groups where the council can have the greatest influence on reducing inequalities. This includes considering children eligible for free school meals, pupils with SEND, children in care, care leavers, and those with persistent absence. The committee also noted concerns about changing demographics and pressure on school places in certain wards.

• Engagement with Children, Young People, Schools and Stakeholders: This priority will focus on how the council effectively engages with its young people, schools, and other stakeholders. A key aspect will be the UNICEF Child Friendly Borough accreditation, which Redbridge achieved in March 2026, making it the first borough in England to do so. The committee will explore how to ensure children's voices are genuinely heard and influence policy and service delivery. This will involve examining school engagement, children's experience in schools, and stakeholder participation to ensure holistic thinking about young people's needs. The committee also expressed interest in developing partnerships with organisations like the Redbridge Chamber of Commerce to create opportunities for young people, including apprenticeships and work experience.

• Early Help, Safeguarding and Youth Justice: This priority area will examine the council's approach to supporting families and young people through early intervention and prevention services. The committee will look at the effectiveness of early help services in preventing statutory involvement and strengthening family networks. It will also consider corporate parenting responsibilities for children in care and care leavers, including plans to launch a Care Leaver Covenant to support their transition into employment and local opportunities. The youth justice plan will also be reviewed, with a focus on contextual safeguarding and early intervention to prevent youth criminalisation.

The committee agreed that the details of the work plan for these priorities would be delegated to the Chair and officers for further development. The next meeting is scheduled for 10 September 2026.