The Children, Young People and Education Scrutiny Commission of Leicester City Council met on Wednesday 17 June 2026 to discuss a range of important issues concerning the services provided to children and young people in the city. Key topics included an update on the post-inspection improvement plan for Children's Social Care, a review of the Executive's response to recommendations regarding the SEND High Needs Block, and a presentation on the priorities and performance ambitions for Social Care and Education in Quarter 4 of 2025/26.

Post-Inspection Improvement Plan for Children's Social Care

The Commission was scheduled to receive an update on the post-inspection improvement plan for Children's Social Care. This plan addresses areas identified for improvement following a full Ofsted inspection in September 2024 and a focused visit in March 2026 concerning care leavers. The report detailed actions taken in response to findings regarding the range and accuracy of information used by leaders, the timeliness and robustness of responses to contacts and referrals, and the quality and consistency of care plans and pathway plans. It also covered arrangements for safeguarding vulnerable children in care and care leavers, support for care leavers reluctant to accept help, and the quality of management oversight and supervision. The report highlighted that while progress has been made in some areas, such as improved leadership oversight and strengthened workforce support, challenges remain in areas like performance management, consistent evidence of practice, and the quality of pathway plans. Priorities for further improvement included strengthening performance management, developing clear performance thresholds, and delivering targeted spotlight activity on management oversight.

Executive Response to SEND High Needs Block Recommendations

The meeting agenda included an Executive Response to recommendations made by the CYPE Scrutiny Commission Task Group concerning the SEND High Needs Block. The Executive welcomed the Task Group's recommendations, noting their alignment with the government's Schools White Paper, Every Child Achieving and Thriving, and the developing Leicester City Local SEND Reform Plan. The response indicated that many of the Task Group's recommendations were already being addressed or planned through existing transformation governance and partnerships. These include strengthening early intervention, expanding local provision, improving transparency in funding, reducing reliance on tribunals, and embedding inclusive practice in mainstream schools. The Executive considered the recommendations to be complementary to the national reform agenda and the emerging Local SEND Reform Plan, with the aim of aligning local ambition with national policy and securing financial sustainability.

Priorities and Performance Ambitions for Social Care and Education

A presentation was scheduled to provide an update on performance in social care and education services for Quarter 4 of 2025/26, as well as information on monitoring and improving quality. This was presented as a pilot to refine the reporting format for the 2026/27 and 2027/28 periods. The report outlined thirteen key priorities, including developing a performance culture, establishing a consistent methodology for quality assurance, and making technology, including AI tools, available to practitioners. It also covered priorities related to the Schools White Paper and local SEND reform, preparing for adulthood and transition to adult services, and preparing for Local Government Reorganisation. The presentation included I Statements and We Statements to articulate the intended impact on Leicester residents and the organisation, alongside progress updates, obstacles, and mitigation strategies for each priority. Performance data was also presented for various areas, including assessing needs, care provision, safeguarding, looked-after children, children subject to child protection plans, attainment, and SEND.

Introduction to CYPE and Work Programme

The Lead Scrutiny Directors were scheduled to provide an introduction to the service areas that form part of the Children, Young People and Education Scrutiny Commission (CYPE). Additionally, members were invited to consider the Commission's work programme for 2026/27 and suggest additional items for inclusion. The forward plan included items such as updates on the SEND High Needs Block, Children's Social Care and Early Help Improvement Plan, the White Paper and local SEND reform, and the LAC Placement Sufficiency Strategy.