The Community and Children's Services Committee met on Tuesday 8 September 2026, approving a reduced subsidy for The Aldgate School's 0-2 childcare provision and confirming allocations for members to City housing estates. The committee also discussed updates on the Families in the City programme and the Golden Lane Leisure Centre refurbishment.

Subsidy of 0-2 Childcare for The Aldgate School

The committee approved a reduced ongoing discretionary subsidy of up to £60,000 per year for The Aldgate School's 0-2 (rising 3) childcare provision, along with a one-off pay protection cost of £66,070.02. This decision was made after considering revised financial modelling from the school, which reduced the requested subsidy from the previous commitment of up to £174,000 per year. The subsidy is subject to the availability of funding from the City Corporation and uptake by City resident children, to be assessed annually. This decision will allow the childcare provision to continue beyond August 2027, avoiding closure and associated redundancy costs for the City Corporation. The committee also noted that the remaining £114,000 from the previous subsidy commitment would be returned to the local risk Family Hub budget.

Allocated Members to the City's Housing Estates

The committee confirmed the allocation of members to the City's housing estates, filling the remaining vacant positions. John Griffiths was allocated to Hackney, Mercy Haggerty to Lambeth, Deputy Ceri Wilkins to Southwark, and Deputy John Fletcher to Tower Hamlets. These allocations were determined by the Housing Management and Almshouses Sub-Committee.

Families in the City Update

An update was provided on the Families in the City programme, which is the City of London Corporation and its partners' response to national government reforms concerning Family Help services and the development of Best Start Family Hubs. The programme is currently in Phase 2, extended to March 2027, and continues to develop its network of services across the City. Key developments include the ongoing refurbishment of Artizan Street Library and Community Centre to become the main Best Start Family Hub, and the implementation of evidence-based parenting programmes. The update also highlighted positive feedback from families regarding holiday activities and the development of a dedicated workforce development role.

Golden Lane Leisure Centre Update

The committee received an update on the Golden Lane Leisure Centre, covering both the procurement of a new leisure management contract and the refurbishment programme. The procurement strategy has been approved, with the Invitation to Tender scheduled for December 2026. The refurbishment programme is on track, with detailed design progressing and a planning application anticipated for submission in autumn 2026. The Golden Lane Leisure Centre Steering Group has been established and is providing community input into both the refurbishment and future service provision. Alternative provision for user groups during the centre's closure is continuing, and arrangements for adult exercise on referral services with neighbouring local authorities are being finalised.

Wardmote Updates

The committee noted the Wardmote Updates, which included a resolution from the Ward of Portsoken expressing deep concern about the future of childcare provision at The Aldgate School and requesting continued support for this provision beyond 2027. This resolution was noted in relation to the committee's decision on the subsidy for 0-2 childcare at The Aldgate School.

Policy and Resources Committee Resolution

The committee received a resolution from the Policy and Resources Committee recommending that Grand Committees consider empowering their sub-committees to make decisions without unnecessary recourse to the Grand Committee, balancing due diligence with efficiency. The committee noted this resolution and indicated that it would be considered when reviewing its own sub-committee terms of reference.

Information Reports

The committee noted several information reports, including updates on the Barbican Library refresh works, the CQC Adult Social Care Assessment Outcome Report, the Ofsted Focus Visit Inspection of Children Social Care and Early Help, and the Community and Children's Services (Non-Housing) Revenue Outturn Forecast as at Quarter 1, 2026/27. The Ofsted report highlighted positive feedback on children's social care and early help services, with Ofsted describing a committed and creative leadership team driving continuous improvement. The CQC assessment rated Adult Social Care services as Good, with strengths in person-centred care and partnership working, while identifying areas for development in engagement with seldom-heard groups and carer support. The revenue outturn forecast indicated a projected overspend of £1.909 million across local and central risk budgets, primarily due to pressures in Older People, SEND, and Housing Benefit Administration.

The meeting also included a discussion regarding the exclusion of the public for certain items, specifically concerning financial details of major works programmes for housing estates, with a decision made to take further advice on what information should be made public.