The People Committee of Sutton Council met on Thursday 24 September 2026 to discuss performance across adult and children's social care, review pupil place planning, and address updates on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services. Key decisions included noting the in-year performance data and the Sutton Children's Social Care Self-Assessment, agreeing to publish statutory notices and consult on prescribed alterations at Sherwood Foundation Special School, Sutton Tuition and Reintegration Service, and Devonshire Primary School, and noting the approach to managing falling rolls in primary schools and updates to the education capital program. The committee also noted the SEN2 data, in-year education performance data, the SEND reform plan, and the local area SEND inspection outcome. Furthermore, the committee noted the update on the CQC assessment framework, the Adult Social Care Improvement Plan, and the council's response to the Casey Review, and agreed to receive further feedback on the outcome of the proposed peer review with Hillingdon Council.

People Committee In-Year Performance Report

The committee received an update on the in-year performance of adult and children's social care services. Nick Ireland, Strategic Director for People Services, highlighted that overall performance was generally positive, with good outcomes from recent inspections by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Jonathan Williams, Director of Children's Services, presented the Sutton Children's Social Care Self-Assessment, noting positive feedback on the breadth of work completed.

Councillor Stephen Kingdom raised concerns about delays in child and family assessments and the effectiveness of actions to address them, as well as the Ofsted findings regarding looked-after children going missing. Michael Duarte, who fielded questions on children's social care, explained that a daily missing tracker and a new protocol for the out-of-hours team had been implemented. He also acknowledged discrepancies in definitions of missing versus absent children between the council and the Metropolitan Police.

Councillor Melody Thorpe followed up on the definition discrepancies, asking what could be done to align them. It was explained that this is a national issue being pushed back on through London safeguarding procedures and regional subgroups.

Regarding adult social care, an increase in care home admissions was noted. Sandra Howard, Director for Adults, attributed this to people remaining at home for longer, leading to increased frailty upon admission to care, and a growth in mental health needs. Despite this, Sutton's care home admission costs remain among the lowest in South West London. The council is exploring options such as developing extra care housing to support residents' independence and delay entry into residential care.

Councillor Vanessa McCain inquired about a drop in child and family assessments completed within 45 days. Andrea Bryant is overseeing an action plan to address this, with improvements expected from September onwards.

Councillor Sue Ebanks raised concerns about benefit maximisation and income support for unpaid carers, particularly in relation to council tax. While a link between adult and children's social care and the council tax department to help with discounts was not immediately known, it was agreed that this would be investigated.

Councillor Rob Beck asked about a reported drop in child protection numbers. It was explained that this was linked to the Families First Partnership initiative and the introduction of a multi-agency child protection team, with a period of embedding and review of thresholds underway.

Finally, regarding employment for adults with learning difficulties, it was noted that 10.1% are in paid employment. The council is working with organisations like Nickel Support and local employers to increase these numbers and is exploring opportunities within the council itself.

The committee noted the in-year performance data and the Sutton Children's Social Care Self-Assessment.

Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Update Report

The committee received an update on SEND services, including the annual SEN2 data, the local area SEND inspection outcome and action plan, and the SEND Reform Plan update. Jonathan Williams, Director of Children's Services, reminded the committee of the scrutiny undertaken at the previous meeting regarding the Ofsted inspection, particularly concerning dysphagia issues. Health colleagues were expected to join the meeting to discuss this further.

Kieran Holliday, Director for Education, Integrated Support and Safe Communities, highlighted the partnership's ambition for young people with additional needs. He acknowledged national challenges in the SEND system, including increasing needs, complexity, and funding deficits. While Sutton performs well in issuing Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) within timely limits, requests for assessment are a pressure point, leading to a higher rate of refusal to assess and an increase in tribunals.

The local area SEND inspection, conducted in January 2026, identified an Area for Priority Action related to dysphagia and risk management, alongside four further areas for improvement: establishing a representative parent voice, strengthening preparation for adulthood, improving data sharing, and enhancing early years therapies and paediatrics. Immediate actions have been taken, including a review of the dysphagia pathway, recruitment of additional staff, and the development of a risk management protocol. A Priority Action Plan has been submitted to the Department for Education (DfE).

The SEND Reform Plan, developed in response to national proposals, is also progressing, with a programme structure and recruitment underway. Mencap has been appointed to support the development of a new Parent Carer Forum.

Councillor Rob Beck questioned the high proportion of requests for assessment that are refused, noting it was lower than national averages. It was explained that this is being audited, and the Experts at Hand model aims to increase confidence in mainstream provision. Jo, from the SEND team, added that insufficient evidence is often the reason for refusal, and a SEND Support Advisory Partnership has been created to assist schools.

Councillor Judy Walsh inquired about the reform program and speech and language services, and the direction of travel towards a more inclusive model. It was confirmed that recruitment for additional speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, and educational psychologists is underway to support mainstream schools.

Councillor Melody Thorpe asked about the dysphagia issue flagged in the Ofsted/CQC report and the confidence in current risk management. It was clarified that dysphagia was a trigger, but the core issue was the lack of a strong mechanism to identify and address risks jointly. The partnership is confident in the improved risk management processes. Regarding the SEND reform plan publication, it was explained that this is being held until DfE approval to avoid confusion if changes are required.

The committee noted the SEN2 data, in-year education performance data, the SEND reform plan, and the local area SEND inspection outcome.

Pupil Place Planning and Capital Update Report

Jack Cutler, Head of Pupil Based Commissioning, presented an update on pupil place planning and the capital programme. He noted a significant shift in pupil demographics, with declining birth rates impacting the primary sector, while secondary demand remains high for the next few years. The council's strategy has shifted from expanding capacity to managing falling rolls to maintain financial viability.

Devonshire Primary School, a community school with a published admission number of 90, received only 65 offers for September 2026, with further falls forecast. Permission is being sought to reduce its published admission number from 90 to 60 from September 2027.

For secondary schools, demand peaked in September 2023, and temporary expansion places were created to meet demand. As a result, all Sutton residents applying for a Year 7 place were offered one on National Offer Day in March 2026. Preference performance for reception places is higher than the London average, and for secondary places, 69.4% of families achieved their first preference. Secondary demand is expected to remain strong for a couple more years before declining from 2028.

Regarding SEND provision, state-funded specialist places have increased by over 57% since 2016. Expansions at several settings have avoided placing additional children into independent provision. However, EHCP growth continues to drive a projected deficit in the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG). To address financial pressures and ensure sufficiency, a prescribed alteration at Sherwood Foundation Special School is proposed to expand its capacity. Additionally, an expansion of staff provision for tuition packages is proposed to support reintegration into mainstream schools.

The capital program has seen over £200 million invested since 2006. For 2026/27, the capital maintenance allocation is £1.21 million. The phase four secondary expansion program continues to deliver places, and remaining basic need funding will be reallocated towards the SEND capital program.

Councillor Chris asked about the balance between falling rolls and SEND provision, noting that the new Fern Hill School in Rose Hill Park was already oversubscribed. It was clarified that Fern Hill's capacity is built into projections and will be fully utilised, but growth in specialist provision needs has exceeded initial projections, necessitating capacity increases at Sherwood Park Foundation School.

Councillor Melody Thorpe inquired about climate adaptation funding within the capital program. It was stated that central government funding would be sought for carbon initiatives, including heat mitigation, and that temperature control within schools is a key priority.

Councillor Stephen Kingdom asked about the trigger point for school closures or amalgamations and reversibility. It was explained that there isn't a fixed trigger point, as it's unique to each school, depending on financial viability and future demographic trends. The strategy prioritises exploring all other options before considering closure.

Councillor Judy Walsh asked about preparations for falling secondary school numbers from 2028. It was noted that schools are aware of the projections, and a collegiate strategy is being developed, though it may be more challenging in the secondary sector due to its autonomous nature.

The committee noted the offers made for primary and secondary school places, the approach to ensuring sufficiency, and updates to the education capital program. Permission was agreed to publish statutory notices and consult on prescribed alterations at Sherwood Foundation Special School, Sutton Tuition and Reintegration Service, and Devonshire Primary School. The approach to managing falling rolls in primary schools was also noted.

Adult Social Care CQC Assessment and Improvement Plan Update

Stephen Day, Adult Social Care CQC Assurance and Service Development Lead, presented an update on the new CQC Assessment framework for adult social care and progress against strategic priorities. He highlighted the Good rating achieved in the 2025 CQC inspection, placing Sutton in the top quartile nationally. Significant achievements include an 81% increase in carers' assessments completed, the introduction of the Magic Notes AI tool to reduce administrative time, and an expansion of technology-enabled care at home.

The report also detailed national policy drivers, including the Baroness Casey Review and the new CQC inspection regime, which introduces Local Authority Assurance Meetings and Focused Inspections. Sutton has submitted a response to the Casey Review. The Adult Social Care Improvement Plan has been updated to reflect these changes and national policy shifts, such as the new Mental Health Act. A proposal for a reciprocal peer review with Hillingdon Council was also presented.

Councillor Stephen Kingdom raised concerns about safeguarding related to day centres not registered with the CQC. It was acknowledged as a gap in regulation, and the council's response to the Casey Review highlights issues with standards, staff training, and service user risk in unregulated day centres. However, individual reviews are conducted for known residents, and concerns are addressed through provider forums.

Councillor Noor Sumun asked about the increased workload and cost associated with the new CQC inspection framework. It was stated that while no additional funding has been provided, preparations are integrated into the improvement plan and are being monitored monthly.

Councillor Judy Walsh commended the positive aspects of the report, particularly regarding carer support and the response to the Casey Review. She inquired about the three-step model for assessments and the implications of AI scribes. The three-step model aims to start assessment conversations at the first point of contact to resolve issues early. Regarding AI scribes, sensitivity and responsibility in recording personal information, and ongoing review by managers, were emphasized. The evaluation of pilot prevention programs will be brought to a future People Committee meeting.

The committee noted the update on the CQC assessment framework, the Adult Social Care Improvement Plan, and the council's response to the Casey Review. They also agreed to receive further feedback on the outcome of the proposed peer review with Hillingdon Council.

The meeting concluded at 9:30 PM.