The Education and Young People Overview & Scrutiny Committee of Oxfordshire Council met on Tuesday 22 September 2026 to discuss several key areas concerning children and young people in the county. The meeting's agenda included a review of the Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Partnership's annual report, an examination of harm outside the home and child sexual exploitation, and consideration of the Youth Justice Annual Plan. Additionally, the committee was scheduled to discuss apprenticeship opportunities and review its forward work plan.

Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Partnership Annual Report 2025-2026

The committee was scheduled to consider the Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Partnership (OSCP) Annual Report for 2025-2026. This report provides an assessment of the effectiveness of local multi-agency safeguarding arrangements. It highlights progress in improving outcomes for children, strengthening multi-agency working, and responding to emerging safeguarding issues. Key priorities for the year included child neglect, harm outside the home, and the effectiveness of the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) partnership. The report also detailed common learning themes from reviews, such as the importance of early identification, professional curiosity, and effective information sharing. The OSCP's structure, including its Lead Safeguarding Partners and Executive Group, was also outlined, alongside its continuous improvement plans and key achievements. The report noted a significant increase in the number of exploitation screening tools completed, suggesting greater visibility of exploitation and harm outside the home.

Harm Outside the Home and Child Sex Exploitation

A report on harm outside the home and child sex exploitation was scheduled for discussion. Oxfordshire's approach to these issues is built on the learning from Operation Bullfinch and the Kingfisher model, now expanded through the integrated Adolescence and Prevention Service. This service aims to provide a coordinated response to risks including criminal exploitation, serious youth violence, missing episodes, online harm, and harmful peer relationships. The report detailed a reduction in first-time entrants to the justice system and highlighted the importance of a contextual safeguarding approach, recognising that harm can occur beyond the family home. Data presented indicated a decrease in children reported missing and a rise in exploitation screening tools, with child drug exploitation being the dominant concern in National Referral Mechanism (NRM) referrals. The report also outlined Oxfordshire's response to harm outside the home, including the Risk Outside the Home (ROTH) model and the SAFER specialist support offer.

Youth Justice Annual Plan 2026-2029

The committee was set to review the Oxfordshire Youth Justice Service (YJS) Annual Plan for 2026-2029. This plan outlines the county's strategic direction for youth justice, focusing on a child-centred, preventative, and evidence-led approach. Key priorities include strengthening prevention and diversion to reduce first-time entrants to the justice system, improving outcomes for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) within the justice system, and addressing over-representation and disproportionality. The plan also emphasises support for victims, families, and the development of the workforce. The report highlighted a significant reduction in the First Time Entrant rate by 53% since March 2025. It also noted an increase in serious violence offences committed by children and a rise in the rate of custodial sentences, although Youth Rehabilitation Orders with Intensive Supervision & Surveillance were also seen as an alternative to custody. The plan detailed various resources and services, including the Drug Diversion Scheme, forensic CAMHS partnership, and the Act Now/Op Deter Youth project.

Apprenticeships

The committee was scheduled to consider a report on apprenticeship opportunities for young people aged 16-18 in Oxfordshire, with a specific focus on those with SEND. The report indicated that while employers are generally supportive of apprenticeships for young people, including those with SEND, concerns exist regarding work readiness, supervision capacity, and employer confidence. Key barriers identified included work readiness, employer capacity to provide specialist support, and the administrative processes for young people with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). The report recommended continued partnership work to enhance employer confidence, improve young people's preparation for employment, and develop better local data reporting on apprenticeship participation. The data presented showed that Oxfordshire's apprenticeship participation rate for 16-18 year olds was broadly in line with national and regional benchmarks, though there had been a slight decrease in participation over the past year.

Committee Forward Work Plan

The committee was also scheduled to review its forward work plan for upcoming meetings. This included an oral update on home to school transport. The committee was recommended to agree its work programme, taking into account the Cabinet Forward Plan and the Budget Management Monitoring Report.

Committee Action and Recommendation Tracker

Finally, the committee was due to note the progress of previous recommendations and actions arising from earlier meetings, as detailed in the Committee Action and Recommendation Tracker. This included a pending response regarding ensuring sufficient resources for the Best Start in Life Plan.