The Children and Young People Committee of Redbridge Council met on Tuesday 14 July 2026 to establish its work plan for the upcoming year. The committee agreed to focus 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 municipal year 2026-27. The plan outlines a series of deep dives into specific themes, with the aim of producing evidence-led recommendations. The committee will undertake one substantial topic per meeting to ensure sufficient time for evidence, challenge, and discussion. The work programme will be structured to avoid duplication with the Cabinet overview and scrutiny committee, focusing on areas where this committee can add the most value.

The agreed priority areas for the committee's focus are:

• Education Outcomes, Standards and Attainment: This priority area will examine how Redbridge's schools are performing overall, with a particular focus on the progress and attainment of all children, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), children in care, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. The committee will also consider school reorganisation, including potential amalgamations or federations, in response to demographic changes. The aim is to identify areas for improvement and ensure that vulnerable children receive the support they need to succeed academically.

• Engagement with Children, Young People, Schools and Stakeholders: This priority will build on Redbridge's accreditation as the first UNICEF Child Friendly Borough in England. The committee will explore how to ensure children's voices are genuinely heard and influence policy and service delivery. This includes examining school engagement, children's experiences in schools, and stakeholder participation to ensure a holistic approach to supporting young people.

• Early Help, Safeguarding and Youth Justice: This area will focus on the council's early intervention and prevention services, working with families before statutory services are required. It will also cover the implementation of the Family First Partnership, promoting multi-agency working and strengths-based approaches. The committee will also consider corporate parenting responsibilities for children in care and care leavers, as well as the youth justice plan, looking at contextual safeguarding and early intervention to prevent young people from entering the justice system.

The committee agreed to delegate the detailed planning of the work plan to the Chair in conjunction with officers. The next meeting is scheduled for 9 September 2026.