The Children's Select Committee of Wiltshire Council met on Tuesday 8 September 2026 to discuss a range of important issues concerning children and young people in the county. Scheduled topics included updates on school Ofsted judgements, the performance of disadvantaged learners, and the annual reports from the Voice and Participation Service and the Youth Justice Service. The committee was also set to review the Executive's response to the Wiltshire SEND Reform Plan.

School Ofsted Judgements

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on Ofsted inspections in Wiltshire schools. The report detailed a new grading system with a five-point evaluation scale, assessing schools on areas including safeguarding, inclusion, curriculum and teaching, achievement, attendance and behaviour, personal development and wellbeing, early years, post-16 provision, leadership and governance. The report indicated that most inspected Wiltshire schools were meeting the expected standard or better, with attendance and behaviour identified as a particular strength. However, a key development theme was the need to increase 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 statutory guidance on the cost of school uniforms, updated 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 noted, though it was stated this would not impact Wiltshire at this time. Updates on government investment in young people's opportunities for technical education, training, and apprenticeships were also to be discussed.

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

This report provided a data summary of Disadvantaged Learners' (DL) performance for the academic year 2025-26, alongside specific actions being taken to improve DL data performance. Provisional data indicated improvements in some key areas, such as Early Years Good Level of Development and the Multiplication Tables Check, with gaps to national averages narrowing in these areas. However, substantial gaps between disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged learners remained across all measures, and progress was not yet consistent enough to close these gaps at the required pace. The report highlighted that an additional £400,000 had been committed to support the delivery of the disadvantaged learners' strategy over the next two academic years, focusing on increasing delivery capacity within maintained schools.

Voice and Participation Annual Report 2025-26

This comprehensive report detailed the activity of Wiltshire's Voice and Participation Service for 2025-26, drawing together participation, advocacy, and co-production efforts. It highlighted that children and young people had influenced services, contributed to the national SEND Reform consultation, and co-produced practical tools. Key themes across all cohorts included the importance of identity, being heard in decision-making, the value of trusted adults, clear communication, support during transitions, and mental health and wellbeing. The report also noted risks around participation reach, capacity, and the need for consistent evidence of impact.

Wiltshire Youth Justice Service Annual Plan 2026-27

The committee was scheduled to review 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. The plan reflected national youth justice priorities, local needs, and feedback from various stakeholders. 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, and addressing disproportionality.

Rapid Scrutiny: Wiltshire SEND Reform Plan - Executive Response

The committee was to receive a report outlining the Executive's response to the rapid scrutiny of the Wiltshire SEND Reform Plan. This would provide an overview of the actions and strategies being implemented in response to the findings of the scrutiny process.

Forward Work Programme

The committee was also scheduled to review and receive updates on the progress of items on the Forward Work Programme. This included noting any new items proposed by members, which would be referred to the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee for approval. The Forward Work Programme indicated 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 agenda items for upcoming meetings were also listed, including reports on Wiltshire Council's Annual Adoption Report, the Health & Wellbeing Survey, Safeguarding, and Education Outcomes.