The Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the Quarter 1 Integrated Performance Report, updates on the Children's Homes Strategy and Best Start Family Hubs, and the committee's work programme. Key discussions included the ongoing challenges with Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs), the development of children's homes, and the implementation of the Best Start in Life programme.

Quarter 1 Integrated Performance Report

The committee reviewed the Quarter 1 Integrated Performance Report for 2026/27, which highlighted areas of both strength and challenge across the Children and Young People's services. While performance in some areas, such as the percentage of children in care placed with Warwickshire foster carers, remained stable and above target, other areas, including the timeliness of EHCPs and the uptake of funded early education places for disadvantaged two-year-olds, were noted as challenging. The report also detailed a significant financial overspend within Children and Families, largely attributed to residential care costs. Strategic risks were also discussed, with the Dedicated Schools Grant deficit risk increasing to a red rating.

Children's Homes Strategy and Homes for Children Sufficiency

An update was provided on the Children's Homes Strategy and the sufficiency of homes for children in care. The council is working to expand its local residential provision and increase local fostering capacity. While the number of privately run children's homes in Warwickshire has grown significantly, the council remains reliant on out-of-county provision for many children. Plans are in motion to develop four further council-run children's homes, with the aim of having the first two operational by the end of 2028. The report also detailed efforts to improve foster care recruitment and retention, including a new fee structure and a targeted recruitment contract to help children transition from residential care.

Best Start Family Hubs

The committee received an update on the implementation of the Best Start in Life programme and the development of Best Start Family Hubs. The first Family Hub at Hatters Space has been operational since April 2026, offering a range of services and support. The future model aims to create a countywide Best Start Network, connecting families with support through trusted local settings such as libraries, youth centres, and existing Children and Family Centres. The programme is supported by Department for Education grant funding, which cannot be used to fund existing provision. A review of the current Children and Family Centres contract, which ends in August 2027, is underway to inform future delivery arrangements.

Work Programme

The committee discussed its work programme and items on the Forward Plan. Members requested a report on the impact of recent heatwaves on Warwickshire schools and a review of the use of artificial intelligence in EHCP processes. There was also a discussion about the need to recruit two parent governors to the committee. A proposal was agreed to send a joint letter to the Secretary of State regarding the pressures on SEND services.