The Children, Families and Education Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the progress of the Children's Services Continuous Improvement and Impact Plan, the Corporate Parenting Scorecard, and the Cabinet's response to a scrutiny review on post-16 education and outcomes. The committee also reviewed and updated its work programme.

Children's Services Continuous Improvement and Impact Plan Progress Report

The committee received a verbal update on the Children's Services Continuous Improvement and Impact Plan. Councillor Chris MacAlister, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, reported that a recent Joint Targeted Area Inspection (JTAI) in July, which focused on the front door services including the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), had been largely positive. The full report from the JTAI was due to be published on 4 September. Councillor MacAlister noted that the Continuous Improvement and Impact Plan was being refreshed to incorporate the JTAI findings and would be presented to the committee in October. Councillor Colin Foster, Vice-Chair of the committee, acknowledged the stress these inspections can cause for staff and expressed anticipation for the full report.

Corporate Parenting Scorecard

The committee reviewed the Corporate Parenting Scorecard, which monitors progress against the Corporate Parenting Strategy 2025-2027. Jeanette Warburton, Executive Director of People and Neighbourhoods, explained that the scorecard provides performance indicators and measurements for children in care and care leavers. The strategy is due for refresh in 2027, and the scorecard will provide a foundation for this process, incorporating feedback from young people and stakeholders. The Q4 report for 2025/26 was presented, highlighting areas of performance and exceptions.

During the discussion, Councillor Laura Smith raised a point about the target for annual dental checks for children in care, noting that the council's target was ambitious but achievable. She also queried why not all children missing from care were offered an interview upon return, and it was explained that this was due to young people sometimes choosing not to accept the offer. Councillor Smith also enquired about the increase in the time taken for children to be placed and matched with an adoptive family. Richard Mortimer, Head of Economy, Work and Skills, explained that this could be due to complex care proceedings or the need to allow a child to settle before a match is formally approved.

Dr Chris Gordon highlighted the importance of hearing directly from foster carers about their challenges, suggesting that the current reporting method might filter these concerns. Jeanette Warburton assured the committee that foster carer voices were still central through representation on the Corporate Parenting Board and its subgroups. Councillor Angie Clark expressed concern about the indicator showing children in care having three or more placement moves in 12 months, and it was explained that this was often due to emergency admissions and the subsequent need to find more suitable placements. Councillor Colin Foster raised questions about the interpretation of own provision and the percentage of children placed within 20 miles of their home, and also enquired about the reporting frequency of the scorecard data. Councillor MacAlister committed to looking into cross-referencing with portfolio reports and presenting a report on placements outside the borough.

Cabinet Response: Scrutiny Review Final Report – Post 16 Education and Outcomes

The committee received an update on the Cabinet's response to the Scrutiny Review of Post-16 Education and Outcomes. Richard Mortimer presented the progress made against the seven recommendations.

Key updates included:

• Recommendation 1 (Data Sharing Framework): Progress has been made in establishing a protocol for sharing information between educational providers and services, aiming to ensure colleges are better informed about young people's needs upon entry.
• Recommendation 2 (Early Transition Planning): There has been a strengthening of early transition planning, with increased support for schools and colleges to assist young people with technical and vocational routes. A two-year programme is being designed for young people from Year 9 onwards to explore career options.
• Recommendation 3 (Flexibility in Entry Requirements): The council is advocating for greater flexibility in entry requirements and re-sit expectations, noting that the government is considering changes to maths and English re-sit policies.
• Recommendation 4 (Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance - CEIAG): The education careers advice service has been integrated into the Virtual School for closer coordination. Work is ongoing with organisations like Youth Fed to connect schools with employers for workplace visits.
• Recommendation 5 (Supported Employment): Efforts are underway to engage employers in offering more flexible recruitment processes and to expand supported employment opportunities. The council has ring-fenced places for care-experienced young people on paid employment programmes.
• Recommendation 6 (Specialist and Alternative Provision): While specific details on capacity in specialist and alternative provision for post-16 learners were not immediately available, the scrutiny review has helped to align services and improve conversations with school leaders. The EHCP team has been restructured with a focus on post-16 learners.
• Recommendation 7 (Longer-Term Outcomes Monitoring): Colleges have provided key stage 5 performance results more quickly, and work is ongoing to improve data sets for 18-24 year olds. A NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) task force has been established.

Councillor Colin Foster highlighted the importance of this review in identifying gaps and successes in post-16 education, particularly for disadvantaged young people. Councillor Wendy Meikle, Chair of the committee, praised the review as a valuable piece of work. Councillor Burns shared her personal experience of her eldest child starting post-16 education and how the review had broadened her understanding. She also raised the idea of expanding the transition network across Greater Manchester. Councillor Foster further emphasised the need for a comprehensive approach across Greater Manchester and suggested discussions with other local authorities. Councillor Laura Smith asked for clarification on the definition of a vulnerable young person, and it was explained that a working definition includes criteria such as having an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), being care-experienced, or having a social worker, but also relies on professional judgment.

Scrutiny Work Programme

The committee reviewed its work programme for future meetings. Councillor Meikle requested that three previously discussed topics – phones for schools, and two others that were not selected for the main scrutiny review – be slotted into the programme. Councillor Burns requested a report on the over-16 transport policy review and asked to be added to the Scrutiny Review on NEET young people. Councillor Foster suggested including reports on place planning, the schools' plan, the youth justice plan, and the capital programme, as well as ensuring previously requested reports on poverty and deprivation, demographics, and school places were scheduled. Councillor Clark also reiterated the request for a report on free school meals and targeting in areas of deprivation, and data on hospital admissions related to drug use, particularly ketamine. Councillor Foster provided an update on the progress of the NEET scrutiny review, outlining planned meetings and the inclusion of external guests.

The committee noted the progress made and agreed to include the requested items in the work programme, with officers to confirm scheduling. The committee also expressed thanks to Charles Yankiah from Democratic Services for his work.