The Children's Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Wandsworth Council met on Tuesday 22 September 2026 to discuss a range of important issues concerning children's services. Key topics included the outstanding Ofsted inspection results for children's services, the outcomes of a significant spending review, and updates on youth provision and SEND services. The committee also reviewed its work programme and discussed the implications of national and local financial pressures.

Ofsted Inspection Results for Children's Services

The committee received an update on the highly positive Ofsted inspection of Wandsworth's Children's Services, which achieved an Outstanding rating in all areas. This significant achievement was attributed to highly responsive and compassionate social work, strong leadership, effective early help and safeguarding, and outstanding outcomes for children in care and care leavers. Elizabeth Souter, Director of Children's Social Care, highlighted the progress made since the previous inspection and noted that the only area for improvement identified was the consistency of recording permanence plans. Councillor Judi Gasser, the Opposition Speaker, commended the services for their professionalism and dedication. Councillor Samantha Lewis also praised the report, particularly noting the impact of staff retention on improved outcomes and reduced costs.

Spending Review and Financial Pressures

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the outcomes of the council's spending review, presented by Ian Dodds, Interim Executive Director of Children's Services. The review highlighted the considerable financial challenges facing the council, including rising inflation and demand for services. Proposed measures include investing in prevention and early intervention, targeting resources more effectively, and refocusing capital funding. Councillor Gasser expressed concern about the projected inflation figures and requested to attend a finance committee meeting for further scrutiny. Councillor Jonathan Iliff noted the unprecedented challenge facing the children's services budget due to inflation and demand pressures. Councillor George Crivelli, Cabinet Member for Children, acknowledged the financial crisis facing the council, attributing it to government cuts, and stressed the need to protect children's services. The discussion also touched upon the council tax increase, with Councillor Crivelli stating that residents were more concerned about government funding decisions than the council's actions. Councillor Gasser countered that the Labour group had proposed alternative efficiency measures that did not involve significant council tax hikes.

Wandsworth Youth Provision

Kat Wyatt, Director of Children's Place and Partnerships, presented an overview of Wandsworth's Youth Offer, detailing the diverse range of provisions available to young people across the borough. The report highlighted over 210 provisions delivered through council services, family hubs, and the voluntary, community, and faith sector. Data indicated a 33% increase in young people accessing services over the past two years, with a particular focus on reaching young people in deprived communities. The Youth Partnership Board, comprising over 100 organisations, plays a key role in shaping provision and seeking funding opportunities. Ms. Wyatt also mentioned the potential for additional investment through the Mayor of London's £30 million Investment in Youth Clubs programme. Councillor Lewis raised concerns about the sustainability of services and the need for a focus on young people not in education, employment, or training (NEETs), particularly care leavers and those with SEND.

SEND in Wandsworth: Delivering Better Outcomes for Children and Families

Lisa Feneroli, Director of Education, provided an update on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services in Wandsworth. The report highlighted the borough's strong national performance in delivering SEND support, with 100% compliance with statutory EHCP timelines for three consecutive years. Wandsworth also demonstrated strong educational outcomes for pupils with SEND, with a high percentage progressing into education, employment, or training. Significant investment of over £45 million has been made in expanding SEND capacity, including resource bases and specialist provision. The report outlined how Wandsworth's approach aligns with national SEND reforms, focusing on early intervention, mainstream inclusion, and partnership working. Deborah Johnson, Assistant Director for SEND and Inclusion, addressed concerns from parents about mainstream placements and the implementation of SEND reforms. Councillor Iliff questioned the financial sustainability of the high needs block, and Councillor Gasser inquired about recruitment for specialist roles such as speech and language therapists and educational psychologists. Ms. Johnson confirmed that recruitment was underway and detailed plans for expanding specialist provision, including at Nine Elms.

Children's OSC Work Programme

The committee reviewed its work programme, with a focus on modernising scrutiny practices. Suggestions for future topics included the effects of temporary accommodation on children, the issue of young people not in education, employment, or training (NEETs), particularly care leavers and SEND groups, and pupil place planning in light of falling school numbers. Ms. Wyatt suggested a paper on participation, focusing on how the voice of children and young people is heard, and inviting young people to share their experiences. Councillor Gasser endorsed the focus on NEETs and temporary accommodation, suggesting collaboration with housing colleagues. The committee agreed to set up a focus on NEETs and to request a report on school placements, school sufficiency, and falling numbers.

Questions to the Cabinet Member

Councillor Judi Gasser posed several questions to Councillor George Crivelli, Cabinet Member for Children. These included updates on the actions arising from task and finish groups on EHCPs and violence against women and girls (VAWG). Councillor Crivelli detailed progress on the VAWG action plan, including bystander intervention training and commissioned programs like Everybody's Invited and Voice Box. He also confirmed that EHCP recommendations were being integrated into the wider SEND reform program, with a focus on early intervention and improved communication with families. Councillor Gasser also questioned the decision to stop funding for an additional Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) and a MARAC post. Councillor Crivelli stated his understanding that domestic violence services were not dependent on a single post and expressed confidence in the council's overall approach to tackling domestic violence. A question regarding the use of the Youth Bus was also addressed, with Councillor Crivelli explaining that its deployment would become more flexible and targeted as part of integrated youth and family support arrangements. Councillor Gasser also raised concerns about the reduced number of tickets for the Big Play Out event, but Councillor Crivelli provided figures indicating high attendance and positive feedback, attributing the changes to ensuring financial sustainability.