The Children's and Culture Scrutiny Committee reviewed performance against the 2026-27 framework for the first quarter, noting positive outcomes in most areas, particularly in adoption and library services, though challenges remain in ensuring 16- and 17-year-olds in care are participating in learning. The committee also received an update on the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme for 2025-26, highlighting its success in providing activities and meals to eligible children and outlining plans for its development in the coming year.

Scrutiny Committee Performance Framework 2026-27 Quarter 1

The committee reviewed the performance of Children's and Culture services against the framework for the first quarter of 2026-27. Overall performance was positive, with most indicators meeting or exceeding targets.

In Children's Services, the average time taken to move a child from care to an adoptive family was 476 days, exceeding the target of 520 days. Similarly, the average time to match a child to an adoptive family was 171 days, meeting the target of 170 days. The number of children in care was 61.3 per 10,000 children, above the target of 58.7 but within the agreed tolerance and below national averages. The number of children subject to a child protection plan was 512, exceeding the target of 460 but remaining within tolerance and below national averages, which was attributed to effective early help services. For care leavers, 94.56% were in suitable accommodation, a slight improvement and above national averages, though below the 95% target. A key area for improvement identified was the participation of 16- and 17-year-old children in care in learning, with only 81% engaged, falling short of the 90% target. Despite this, the actual number of young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET) had reduced.

For Culture Services, performance was strong. Overall enjoyment of heritage services, as measured by visitor feedback, was 98%, exceeding the 97% target. Visits to core libraries and mobile library services totalled 275,829, meeting the target. Digital interactions, including website views and app launches, reached 254,227, exceeding the target of 252,736. Community use of libraries also surpassed expectations, with 2,871 hours recorded against a target of 2,845 hours. However, contact with the heritage service fell short of the ambitious target, with 819,291 contacts compared to a goal of 1,000,000. This shortfall was attributed to ongoing issues with the archive online catalogue, which is being addressed.

Holiday Activities and Food Programme Annual Report 2025-26

The committee received an update on the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme for 2025-26. The programme, funded by the government, supports children and young people eligible for benefits-related free school meals (FSM) by providing activities, nutritious meals, and enrichment opportunities during school holidays.

In Lincolnshire, the HAF programme received £2,841,580 in funding for 2025-26. The report highlighted that 74 approved HAF providers delivered 72,666 places across 125 venues. Over 65% of these providers are Ofsted registered. The programme saw a significant increase in the number of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) accessing provision, with summer delivery showing a 77.6% growth. Attendance data indicated a balanced gender split and a consistent preference for primary-aged children.

The report detailed the programme's strong partnerships, which generated over £27,000 in additional investment in 2025, with projected growth for 2026-27. These partnerships provided financial and in-kind support, including training, resources, and specialist support. Notable collaborations included those with PING, the Golf Foundation, and Golfway, which led to a countywide golf offer and a Golf Scholarship programme, receiving national recognition.

Looking ahead, the HAF programme will be refocused to align with the school-age childcare agenda, with plans to procure a new booking system, review eligibility criteria, implement an Inclusion Grant for SEND support, and introduce a standardised four-hour session model. The council aims to strengthen both supply and demand for HAF provision, particularly for eligible children and young people.

Children's and Culture Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

The committee reviewed its work programme for the upcoming year. Items scheduled for future meetings include the Scrutiny Committee Performance Framework for Quarter 2, the Children's Services Annual Statutory Complaints Report, and Education Provision Planning. The committee also noted planned items for October 2026, including a review of the decision to award a contract for a Secure Children's Home integrated digital bedroom system, and a commissioning review of Outreach Services. Future reports will also cover childcare sufficiency in Lincolnshire, budget proposals for Children's Services and Culture, mainstream schools funding, commissioning of independent placements, and supported accommodation for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. The committee was invited to suggest additional items for inclusion in its work programme.