The Family Services Select Committee met on Thursday 22 October 2026 to discuss the Local Safeguarding Children Partnership Annual Report and the Children's Services Annual Self-Assessment and Corporate Parenting Assurance. The committee reviewed the effectiveness of safeguarding arrangements and the quality of services provided to children and young people in the borough.

Local Safeguarding Children Partnership Annual Report 2025-2026

The committee received an overview of the Local Safeguarding Children Partnership's (LSCP) annual report for 2025-2026. The report detailed the partnership's work and effectiveness in safeguarding children and young people across Kensington and Chelsea. Key strategic priorities for the year included keeping children safe in their communities and online, implementing Families First reforms, strengthening the role of education in safeguarding, and improving partnership learning and assurance.

Evidence presented indicated effective multi-agency working, with strong safeguarding practices identified through audits and reviews. However, areas for continued improvement were highlighted, particularly concerning information sharing, understanding whole-family circumstances, maintaining children's voices in safeguarding plans, and embedding learning consistently into practice. The partnership is preparing for significant national reforms, including the introduction of Multi-Agency Child Protection Teams, and will focus on demonstrating how partnership activity translates into improved safeguarding outcomes.

During the discussion, councillors raised questions about how performance is measured across the system and the collective difference being made. Representatives from the LSCP explained that performance is measured through a combination of quantitative and qualitative evidence, including data from local authorities, multi-agency audits, reviews, and feedback from training sessions. Challenges were noted regarding the reliance on local authority data and the need for more comprehensive data from police and health partners. The impact of organisational reform and staff turnover on system resilience was also discussed, with an acknowledgement of the need to maintain organisational memory and relationships.

The committee also discussed the SEND reform and measures being taken to assess the needs of SEND children. While this was not the primary focus of the safeguarding report, it was noted that the SEND laws are covered in other areas of children's services and multi-agency practice. The importance of early identification and support for children with SEND was emphasised, particularly in relation to school attendance and potential unidentified special needs. The new information-sharing duty, enacted from 30 September, was highlighted as a potential aid in addressing concerns at an earlier stage.

Performance figures were examined, including a concerning statistic of 26% of referrals being re-referrals within 12 months, raising questions about premature case closures or insufficient initial interventions. The committee also noted that only 76% of children received their 12-month developmental reviews and 72% their two-and-a-half-year reviews. Primary school attendance was reported at 93.8%, below the London and national average, with a wider attainment gap for disadvantaged pupils. Underlying reasons for these underperformances were explored, with plans to address repeat referrals through a new locality social work team structure and a dedicated service for referrals. The developmental review figures were contextualised by noting they were not out of step with other authorities and that some families may not use NHS services. The drop in school attendance was attributed to the impact of COVID-19, with ongoing efforts to improve attendance through multi-agency working and home visits.

Concerns were raised about affluent neglect, with discussions on how professionals recognise emotional abuse in affluent households and the potential for material wealth to conceal harm. The partnership acknowledged the challenges in this area, particularly the relationship with the private and independent sector, and highlighted efforts to strengthen relationships with designated safeguarding leads in these settings. The importance of clear communication of safeguarding responsibilities from the outset, even in prospectus materials, was stressed.

The committee also discussed the importance of listening to children's voices in a sustained way, particularly in relation to serious incidents and audits. Examples were given of how children's voices can be lost during prolonged criminal justice processes, and actions being taken to ensure continued involvement and advocacy. The usefulness of new dedicated video-recorded interview suites for children was discussed, alongside the importance of qualified social workers being present during interviews.

The report highlighted that over 1,400 referrals were received, with 100 children on child protection plans. The capacity to manage these referrals was discussed, with assurances that the service has capacity and responds well, supported by quality assurance work. The implementation of new social care reforms, including a family help model integrating early help and social workers, was presented as a strategy to tackle repeat referrals and improve efficiency. A co-located multi-disciplinary team for children on the child protection pathway was also discussed, aiming to improve information sharing and decision-making.

Learning from child death reviews was considered, with a disproportionate number of child deaths occurring among the most disadvantaged communities. Challenges around information sharing were noted, as well as the importance of consistent messaging on safe sleeping practices and the need for mental health support for parents.

Children's Services Annual Self-Assessment and Corporate Parenting Assurance

The committee reviewed the Children's Services Annual Self-Assessment for 2025/26, which reported an 'Outstanding' Ofsted rating for the third consecutive inspection. The report highlighted strengths in staff commitment, relationships with children and families, and effective partnerships. Areas for further improvement identified by Ofsted included the quality and consistency of supervision and Independent Reviewing Officer oversight for older children in care.

The self-assessment was considered in the context of the Council's corporate parenting responsibilities, which require a whole-council approach to supporting children in care and care leavers. Key themes included the implementation of national social care reforms, improving placement sufficiency and responding to increasing care costs, strengthening fostering arrangements, and improving pathways into adulthood for care-experienced young people.

Discussions touched upon the financial sustainability of services, with a focus on early intervention and prevention to reduce reliance on high-cost services. The impact of falling child populations on school funding was also noted. The implementation of the Bi-Borough Family Help model by April 2027 was a significant focus, aiming for integrated locality-based working with Family Hubs at its core.

Improvements in school attendance were discussed, with the establishment of a new Bi-Borough Attendance and Inclusion Service. The education, employment, and training pathways for care leavers were highlighted, including the success of the Trailblazer programme and the expansion of supported internships for young people with SEND. Efforts to reduce serious youth violence were also detailed, including analysis for the North Paddington Serious Violence Taskforce and workshops through the Youth Justice Service.

The committee heard about progress in improving accommodation pathways for care leavers, with new semi-independent provision being developed. The Grenfell Education Hub, launched in September 2025, was reported to be making a significant difference for children, young people, and families in the community, providing trauma-informed support.

The committee was also presented with the Work Programme Report, outlining upcoming scrutiny activities and rota visits for committee members. Topics for future discussion included the Family and Children Services' budget proposals, updates on reform programmes, and a deep dive into Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEETs), youth provision, and school inclusion. A rota of potential site visits was also shared, offering members opportunities to gain first-hand insight into various council services.