The Children and Families Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday 14 October 2026 to discuss the Children's Services Continuous Improvement and Impact Plan, the Safeguarding Children Partnership Yearly Report, and the proposed creation of a Greater Manchester Fostering Hub. The committee also received an update on SEND reforms and reviewed the scrutiny work programme.

Children's Services Continuous Improvement and Impact Plan

The committee received an update on the current Children's Services Continuous Improvement and Impact Plan (2025-26), noting that 92 out of 99 actions had been completed. The refreshed plan for 2026-28 was also presented, incorporating findings from the recent Joint Targeted Area Inspection (JTAI) and other feedback. Councillor Angie Clark highlighted the positive work at the new Stockport Family Centre in Bredbury Green, asking if it was included in the aims for improvement. Chris McLoughlin, Executive Director of People and Neighbourhoods, confirmed that all services were viewed holistically to create complementary support within neighbourhoods, aiming to improve life chances for Stockport's children. Councillor Clark also raised concerns about Section 47 inquiries and how children's voices would be prioritised following the JTAI. Chris McLoughlin explained that this was a key focus, monitored through supervision and audits, with an emphasis on improving outcomes for children. Councillor Shaun Regan, Deputy Group Leader, noted Stockport's higher rate of stop and searches for young people compared to other Greater Manchester authorities, suggesting a discussion with the police was needed. Councillor Wendy Meikle, Chair of the Children & Families Scrutiny Committee, agreed that the committee should receive a detailed report on this matter. Councillor Laura Smith asked about support for foster carers looking after children with neurodiverse behaviours, and Councillor Colin Foster questioned the process for ensuring that business as usual items do not slip. Chris McLoughlin assured the committee that vigilance and detailed performance management regimes were in place. Councillor Shan Alexander raised concerns about the timing of filling vacancies, particularly in relation to school holidays. Councillor Moorman followed up on support for foster carers of neurodiverse children, asking about specific advice and help with diagnosis. Councillor Jon Byrne raised concerns about the number of Section 47 inquiries and the potential for police referrals into care, requesting a report back on this issue. Councillor Colin Foster discussed the volume of actions related to leadership and management in the future plan and the review of service delivery structures. Councillor Wendy Meikle proposed that the committee move away from spotlight reports in future, with more succinct updates. Councillor MacAlister assured the committee that scrutiny would be involved whenever there was something of note. Councillor Meikle also commented positively on the support for care leavers, particularly those who have become parents, and asked about links with the Early Life Baby Bank. The committee noted the progress and considered the refreshed plan.

Safeguarding Children Partnership Yearly Report 2025 to 2026

Nicky Pettit, Independent Scrutineer for the Safeguarding Children Partnership, and Eleanor Hurst, Head of Safeguarding and Learning in Children's Services, presented the annual report. Councillor Angie Clark expressed disappointment that there was no direct government funding for safeguarding partnerships, noting an underfunding of £13,804. Eleanor Hurst explained that while government funding exists for safeguarding, partnerships are expected to be funded by statutory partners, and acknowledged the underfunding. Councillor Shaun Regan asked how the partnership addressed local variations in safeguarding issues. Eleanor Hurst confirmed that local variations were examined, with data reviewed at a granular level to identify specific neighbourhood needs. Councillor Shaun Regan also inquired about the impact of housing issues on safeguarding and collaboration with Stockport Homes. Eleanor Hurst stated that housing colleagues were represented on the partnership and were aware of the issues, with good relationships enabling direct discussions about individual family circumstances. Dr Chris Gordon, Church of England Diocesan Education Committee Representative, asked if councillors received safeguarding training. Eleanor Hurst confirmed that basic safeguarding awareness training was offered, and it was included in the induction for new councillors. Councillor Laura Smith, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, expressed concern about the ongoing strategies for addressing child sexual abuse, particularly with the rise of online child pornography. Eleanor Hurst acknowledged this as a national and local priority, with a new subgroup focusing on sexual abuse in the family environment and upskilling of staff. Councillor Colin Foster commented on the partnership's strategic nature, making it difficult to drill down into specifics, but acknowledged the quality control and training. He also raised a question about whether all councillors should be DBS checked, which was discussed, with a recommendation made to the portfolio holder to take this to Cabinet. Councillor Alexander suggested linking with the Chester Diocese for online safeguarding training. Councillor Shaun Regan proposed a deep dive into child sexual abuse, linking it to other reports on racism in schools and violence against women and girls. The committee noted the report.

Proposed Creation of an End-to-End Greater Manchester Fostering Hub

The committee discussed the proposed creation of an end-to-end Greater Manchester Fostering Hub. Councillor Colin MacAlister, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, explained that this initiative, driven by government policy to increase foster placements, would extend the current recruitment model to include assessment and approval. He noted the tight timescales for decision-making. Chris McLoughlin, Executive Director of People and Neighbourhoods, confirmed that Rochdale Borough Council would be the host authority. Councillor Laura Smith asked if this would lead to children being placed in other boroughs more routinely. Jeanette Warburton, Assistant Director for Corporate Parenting, assured the committee that Stockport children would be placed in Stockport wherever possible, but acknowledged that some out-of-borough placements already occurred. Councillor Colin Foster raised concerns about the speed of implementation and the potential for confusion between residential and foster placements. He also questioned the staffing arrangements and the location of hub staff. Chris McLoughlin explained that the arrangement would likely be hybrid, with negotiations ongoing. Councillor Clarke inquired about mileage costs listed in the report, which was clarified as relating to staffing mileage for home visits during assessments. The committee agreed to the recommendations in the report.

SEND Update

Lynn Perry, Director of Education (interim), and Chris McLoughlin presented an update on SEND reforms and educational outcomes. Lynn Perry highlighted improving outcomes for pupils with SEND, particularly those with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), though noted areas for development in early years. She explained the Local Area SEND Reform Plan, which aims to strengthen inclusive practice, early identification, and access to therapies. Councillor Graham Greenhalgh inquired about the reasons for Stockport's performance in early years SEND compared to the national average. Lynn Perry discussed various factors, including cohort size and the impact of COVID-19 on communication skills, and assured the committee that detailed analysis was ongoing. Councillor Laura Smith asked about the process for children needing EHCPs and potential delays. Chris McLoughlin explained the needs-led approach and efforts to expedite EHCPs, including commissioning additional Educational Psychology capacity. Councillor Colin Foster praised the changes and the shift towards localisation of provision. He also raised the issue of school readiness, specifically toilet training, and the fragmentation of early years provision. Councillor Mirman asked about the day-to-day delivery of support in schools and funding arrangements. Lynn Perry explained that schools were responsible for delivery, with some funding provided through the Inclusion Mainstream Fund. Councillor Cork spoke positively about the work of Family Hubs in supporting school readiness. The committee noted the report and its recommendations.

Scrutiny Work Programme

Charles Yankiah, Democratic Services Manager, presented the scrutiny work programme. Councillor Shaun Regan proposed a report on complex placements and the process for bringing children back to Stockport, which was supported by Councillor Colin Foster. Councillor Wendy Meikle also added a suggestion for a report on the operation of the Post 16 SEND Travel Policy. The committee agreed to add these items to the work programme. Councillor Alexander confirmed her attendance at a review meeting. The committee thanked everyone for their contributions.