The Scrutiny Committee discussed the Post 16 Update, focusing on financial support, safeguarding, and the experiences of young people leaving the islands for education. The committee also reviewed the Isles of Scilly Fire & Rescue Service's Annual Assurance Paper 2025-26 and its Community Risk Management Plan 2027-2032, endorsing both documents and recommending them for approval by Full Council.

Post 16 Update

The committee received an update on the provision for post-16 education and accommodation for young people from the Isles of Scilly. It was noted that while there is no on-island college or sixth-form offering the breadth of courses available on the mainland, some A-level courses can be studied online, and apprenticeships are available on the islands, including block-release arrangements. The Council's Post-16 Transport Policy Statement acknowledges the exceptional geographical position and provides financial support for eligible travel and accommodation costs.

Decisions made by Full Council in December 2025 to use residual funds from the 2024/25 cohort for a hardship fund, increase the contribution for transition visits to £500, and cover off-island boating costs for these visits were discussed. It was clarified that this does not include regular travel to and from college during term time, which is expected to be met within the £9,635 allocation. A further report is scheduled for November 2026 to discuss the use of remaining residual funds.

Safeguarding responsibilities were reiterated, with emphasis on parental choice in arranging accommodation and the retention of parental responsibility. The Council does not select or place young people with host families, but it will act on any known welfare or safeguarding concerns. The appointment of Lucy Humphreys as a dedicated Transition Worker on the mainland has strengthened mainland transition capacity, providing regular drop-in opportunities and following up on individual concerns. The report noted that two young people were not in education, employment, or training (NEET), and one was at risk of becoming NEET, with active communication underway to support them.

The Department for Education (DfE) has confirmed no funding uplift for 2026/27, with 2027/28 being the earliest opportunity for reconsideration. The Council is gathering evidence, including a parent and family voice survey, to support its request for increased funding. A post-16 hardship scheme is also being developed, aiming to use an existing means-tested route to avoid a burdensome assessment process.

The committee was informed that the current model is compatible with the statutory framework and provides meaningful choice, enabling young people to access various education and training routes. The focus of ongoing work is on strengthening transparency, support, and equity.

Isles of Scilly Fire & Rescue Service – Annual Assurance Paper 2025-26

The committee scrutinised the Isles of Scilly Fire & Rescue Service's Annual Assurance Paper 2025-26. The report confirmed that the Council, as the Fire and Rescue Authority, continues to meet its statutory duties under the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 and the Civil Contingencies Act 2004. It highlighted appropriate arrangements for governance, financial stewardship, operational preparedness, resilience, and collaboration with partners. Progress has been made in responding to recommendations from His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) inspections.

Key achievements in 2025-26 included the operational response to Storm Goretti, multi-agency exercises, and investments in operational resilience, such as new portable pumping equipment and satellite communication capabilities. Collaboration with partners, including police, ambulance, and coastguard, was strengthened through joint planning and exercises. The Service maintained full operational establishment with forty-five on-call firefighters.

The report noted a modest increase in the 2025/26 budget, reflecting investments in training and operational support. While an overspend occurred, it was anticipated and covered by additional funding. The Service is seeking opportunities to improve value for money, including developing the next Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) in-house.

The committee was informed that 15 out of 17 actions from the HMICFRS improvement plan were completed by the end of 2025-26. The Service responded to 37 emergency incidents, completed 70 Home Fire Safety Visits, and undertook 20 fire safety audits.

The committee made observations on the report and recommended that Full Council approve its contents.

Isles of Scilly Fire & Rescue Service – Community Risk Management Plan 2027-2032

The committee also considered the draft Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) 2027-2032. The plan outlines the strategic direction for the Isles of Scilly Fire & Rescue Service over the next five years, developed following a comprehensive Strategic Assessment of Risk. This assessment considered historical incident data, local intelligence, partner input, national risk information, community engagement, and professional judgement, recognising the unique characteristics of the Isles of Scilly, including its geographical isolation, maritime dependency, and exposure to climate-related risks.

The plan identifies ten principal risk drivers and proposes five strategic goals: Preventing Fires and Other Emergencies; Reducing the Impact of Fire in the Built Environment; Responding Effectively to Emergencies; High-Performing and Inclusive Culture; and A Resilient and Sustainable Future. To support these goals, ten specific projects are proposed, including a targeted Safe and Well programme, seasonal safety campaigns, a water safety strategy, improved multi-agency information sharing, and enhanced inter-island response arrangements.

The committee was asked to consider whether the CRMP appropriately reflects the risks facing island communities and whether the proposed priorities and projects provide a suitable framework for managing those risks. The plan does not commit the Council to additional expenditure but identifies proposals that may require future investment, subject to business cases and budget approval.

The committee endorsed the CRMP and recommended that it progress to public consultation.

Scrutiny of Children's Services Self-Evaluation (August 2026) and Operational Challenges

The committee reviewed the Scrutiny of Children's Services Self-Evaluation (August 2026) and Operational Challenges report. The report highlighted that despite progress in some areas, significant challenges remain within Children's Services, likely to impact Ofsted's next standard inspection. These challenges include workforce instability, a lack of line of sight into practice, variable quality of practice, and difficulties in evidencing work within Early Help.

The report detailed a volatile performance journey over the last three years, with multiple inspections identifying issues with response times, assessment quality, and management oversight. Workforce instability, including reliance on interim leadership and recent staff turnover, was identified as a primary driver of practice decline. The appointment of Sue Butcher as Director of Children's Services (DCS) is intended to provide permanent leadership and reinstitute a functioning quality assurance framework.

Specific challenges identified include underdevelopment of Early Help services, with few cases being directed to this pathway and no open Strengthening Families plans. Threshold confusion and assessment drift were also noted, with some assessments lacking professional curiosity and relying too heavily on parental perspectives. Engagement with children and families was described as sometimes lacking purpose and influence, despite efforts to build trusted relationships. Multi-agency working, while strategically coordinated through boards, faces operational challenges in strategy meetings and information sharing.

The committee acknowledged the current challenges and the potential impact on Ofsted outcomes, committing to continued support for service improvement.

The committee noted the information received and endorsed the continued development of a clearer post-16 framework. They recommended that a further report be brought back following the completion of the family survey and financial request to the Minister, and noted the progress made since the previous consideration of post-16 education.