The Children's Select Committee of Wiltshire Council met on Tuesday 08 September 2026 to discuss a range of important issues concerning children's services. Key topics included updates on school Ofsted judgements, performance of disadvantaged learners, and the annual reports for the Voice and Participation Service and the Youth Justice Service. The committee also reviewed the Department for Education updates and the Wiltshire SEND Reform Plan executive response.

School Ofsted Judgements

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on Ofsted inspections in Wiltshire schools. The report detailed a shift in Ofsted's inspection framework, with a greater focus on a broader set of operational areas including safeguarding, curriculum, achievement, attendance, personal development, and leadership. A new five-point grading system has been introduced, with categories ranging from 'Exceptional' to 'Urgent improvement'. The report indicated that most inspected Wiltshire schools were meeting the expected standard or better, with particular strengths noted in attendance and behaviour, and personal development and wellbeing. However, a key area for development identified was increasing the proportion of schools judged as 'strong' or 'exceptional' in areas such as inclusion and curriculum and teaching.

Department for Education (DfE) Updates

An update was scheduled on developments relating to Children's Services arising from the Department for Education for the period July to September 2026. This included information on updated statutory guidance regarding the cost of school uniforms, reflecting the new legal limit on compulsory branded items in the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026. Wiltshire's position was noted as being well-placed to support schools in implementing this guidance, with existing council policies already promoting dignity at work and challenging bullying and harassment. The update also covered new statutory guidance on allergy safety in schools and guidance on preventing and tackling bullying and harassment of school staff. A press release regarding government solar drive for schools was also mentioned, noting that this pilot would not impact Wiltshire at this time, although a local Solar Schools event had been hosted. Finally, a press release on government investment in young people's opportunities was discussed, with Wiltshire College and University Centre well-placed to respond to growth in technical education and training.

Wiltshire Disadvantaged Learners Performance and Outcomes Report Academic Year 2025-26

The committee was scheduled to receive a report providing a data summary of Disadvantaged Learners' (DL) performance for the academic year 2025-26, along with specific actions being taken to improve DL data performance. The report highlighted that while outcomes for disadvantaged learners had improved in several key areas, including Early Years Good Level of Development and the Multiplication Tables Check, gaps between disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged learners remained substantial. The report recommended continued targeted action across early reading, maths fluency, writing, and support for higher-attaining disadvantaged learners. An additional £400,000 investment was committed to support the delivery of the disadvantaged learners' strategy over the next two academic years, focusing on increasing delivery capacity, particularly within maintained schools.

Voice and Participation Annual Report 2025-26

This report provided a comprehensive overview of the Voice and Participation Service's activities for 2025-26, detailing how children and young people across various cohorts had influenced their services. Key highlights included a significant number of young people voting in Wiltshire Youth Council elections, a broad reach through the Young Carers in Schools programme, and the co-production of practical tools such as the Neurodiversity Wheel. The report also detailed the work of Independent Advocacy, the Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP), and the AI Communication Assistant. Cross-cutting themes identified across all cohorts included the importance of identity, being heard, having trusted adults, effective communication, and support during transitions. The report noted risks related to participation reach, capacity, and the need for consistent evidence of impact, with priorities for 2026-27 focusing on widening reach, embedding tools, strengthening accountability, and improving evidence of impact.

Wiltshire Youth Justice Service Annual Plan 2026-27

The committee was scheduled to consider and approve the Wiltshire Youth Justice Service Annual Plan for 2026-27. This plan outlines how Wiltshire Council and its partners will meet their responsibilities under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 to prevent offending and reoffending by children, safeguard vulnerable children, protect victims, and support positive outcomes for young people. The plan was developed in partnership with key agencies including Wiltshire Police, the Probation Service, and the Integrated Care Board. Key priorities for the coming year included improving outcomes for children through earlier intervention, strengthening education, training, and employment opportunities, enhancing prevention and diversionary work, addressing disproportionality, and supporting victims. The report highlighted that Wiltshire's First Time Entrant (FTE) rate remained consistently below national averages, and reoffending performance was favourable when compared to national benchmarks. The plan also detailed efforts to address harmful sexual behaviour, serious violence, and child exploitation, with a focus on evidence-based practice and multi-agency collaboration.

Forward Work Programme

The committee was also scheduled to review its Forward Work Programme, noting upcoming agenda items and task group activities. This included ongoing work by the Adoption West Joint Scrutiny Panel, a Standing Task Group to review annual reports, and the establishment of a SEND Reform Task Group. Future rapid scrutiny exercises were planned for Youth Strategy Development. Upcoming committee agenda items included the Wiltshire Council's Annual Adoption Report, the Health & Wellbeing Survey, the Safeguarding Annual Report, and the Education Outcomes Report for KS2. Further reports were scheduled on child poverty, the Children and Education Roadmap, the Short Breaks Offer, Multi-Agency Child Protection Arrangements, the 14-25 Service, Children We Care For, and Young Carers.