The Children, Families and Skills Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday 16 September 2026 to discuss the Children and Young People's Participation and Co-production Strategy 2026-2029 and the Corporate Parenting Strategy 2026-2030. The committee also reviewed the Where Our Children Live programme and discussed the committee's work programmes for the upcoming years.

Children and Young People's Participation and Co-production Strategy 2026-2029

The committee considered the draft Children and Young People's Participation and Co-production Strategy 2026-2029, which aims to ensure children and young people have a voice in decisions affecting them. The strategy is built on Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Lundy Model of Participation. Approximately 20 young people were involved in drafting the strategy, and progress has been made in participation structures, youth forums, and staff training. Around 520 young people participate annually in formal forums, with wider engagement through consultations and activities. A dashboard is being developed to measure participation and its impact.

Members questioned how the council would demonstrate the impact of participation and ensure a broad range of voices were heard, particularly those less likely to engage through traditional forums. Officers explained that participation projects are logged against a framework, with examples provided of how young people's feedback influenced SEND capital funding. Demographic information is collected to ensure diverse representation, and targeted engagement is increasing. The distinction between co-production and consultation was discussed, with officers acknowledging that some past activities might have been more accurately described as engagement. The validation of qualitative evidence was also raised, with officers explaining it is considered alongside statutory requirements and professional expertise. The committee requested the draft Participation & Co-production Dashboard be presented for consideration before implementation.

Corporate Parenting Strategy 2026-2030

The committee reviewed the proposed Corporate Parenting Strategy 2026-2030, which outlines the council's vision, priorities, and commitments for supporting children in care and care leavers. The strategy, developed with input from approximately 300 children and young people, expands the previous four priorities to six: Participation and Co-production; Identity; Home; Preparation for Adulthood; Health, Wellbeing and Safety; and Education, Employment and Training. A key focus is on measuring impact and outcomes.

Members inquired about the representativeness of the consultation and the survey response rate, with officers confirming a 18-19% response rate from around 1,000 invited young people, a significant increase from previous years. The Corporate Parenting Strategic Plan will detail measurable actions and performance indicators, with progress monitored through governance arrangements and the Corporate Parenting Board. A you said, we did approach is being used to inform participants about how their feedback has influenced the strategy. The Preparation for Adulthood priority was welcomed, with officers outlining the Leaving Well model for earlier conversations and skills development. The committee discussed support for care leavers beyond age 25, noting the statutory framework but also the flexibility for ongoing support in cases of difficulty. Regarding housing, officers confirmed a policy to prevent homelessness and detailed support available, with approximately 96% of care leavers in suitable accommodation. Initiatives for education, employment, and training were highlighted, including an employment readiness programme and a guaranteed interview scheme. The committee requested further information on accommodation capacity, geographical distribution, and any identified gaps in provision. The committee also formally recognised the contribution of Louise Anderson to the improvement of Lancashire's Children's Services.

Where Our Children Live – Sufficiency, Quality and Outcomes for Children in Residential Care Briefing Note

A briefing note was presented on the progress of the Where Our Children Live programme. The committee was informed that the programme remains strategically important, with a revised approach to better reflect the changing needs of children requiring residential care, including specialist provision for children with disabilities and complex needs. Challenges such as Ofsted registration delays and workforce development were discussed, alongside mitigation strategies including a dedicated Workforce Planning and Development Workstream and a Residential Managers Academy. The briefing noted that Phase One of the programme is complete, with significant progress made in Phase Two. Positive outcomes for children were highlighted, with examples of improved stability, education engagement, and reduced risk-taking behaviours. Ofsted inspection outcomes for the homes were mixed but included positive findings, with further inspections anticipated. The committee noted that a further update on subsequent delivery phases would be presented in February 2027.

Children, Families and Skills Scrutiny Committee Work Programme 2025-26 and Recommendation Responses

The committee formally noted the Cabinet Member responses to recommendations made at previous meetings. Regarding childcare sufficiency and early years, the committee considered whether the agenda item scheduled for April 2027 was still required and, if so, its focus.

Children, Families and Skills Scrutiny Work Programme 2026-27

The committee reviewed and confirmed its work programme for 2026-27. It was agreed that a briefing note on home to school transport costs for SEND pupils would be added to the work programme for the meeting on 13 January 2027.

Constitution, Membership and Terms of Reference

The committee noted the committee's Constitution, membership, and Terms of Reference for the municipal year 2026-27, as approved by Full Council. It was noted that County Councillor Alice Jones had filled the Reform vacancy. The appointment of County Councillor Joanne Ash as Chair and County Councillor Peter Buckley as Deputy Chair was also noted.

The meeting concluded with the date of the next meeting being set for Wednesday 21 October 2026.