The Durham Family Panel is scheduled to meet on Friday 18 September 2026 to discuss a range of important issues concerning children and young people in the council's care. The meeting will include updates on Ofsted inspections, the progress of the Care Leavers Service, and the findings of annual surveys for both care leavers and children in care. Additionally, the panel will review its own Terms of Reference.

Ofsted Updates

The panel is scheduled to receive updates regarding Ofsted's findings. This includes a report from the Interim Head of Children's Social Care on general Ofsted updates, and a more specific update on the Ofsted ILACS (Inspection of Local Authority Children's Services) inspection that took place on 15-16 May 2026. The ILACS inspection report, available in the Public reports pack, focuses on the experiences and progress of children living in unregistered provision. Inspectors found that Durham County Council maintains a firm stance against the use of unregistered placements, employing them only in exceptional circumstances with intense scrutiny. The report highlights the council's commitment to developing specialist provisions to meet the complex needs of children, thereby reducing reliance on unregistered providers.

Care Leavers Service Update

A comprehensive update on the Care Leavers Service for 2025-2026 is scheduled for discussion. This report, prepared by the Director of Children and Young People's Services, will outline the service's progress, achievements, and the challenges it faces. It will also detail how the feedback from care-experienced young people has influenced service development and delivery, and set out key priorities for the coming year. The report highlights the service's efforts to promote independence, stability, and improved life chances for young people aged 18 to 25. Challenges such as housing instability and homelessness are noted, with a significant increase in young people presenting as homeless or at risk of homelessness. The service is working to address these issues through strengthened partnerships and the development of additional accommodation pathways.

Annual Surveys for Care Leavers and Children in Care

The meeting will consider the findings of two annual surveys: the Care Leavers Annual Survey Report and the Children in Care Annual Survey 2026. These reports, presented by the Interim Head of Children's Social Care, aim to gather feedback on the support received by care leavers and children in care, identifying areas of strength and opportunities for improvement. The surveys reflect the priorities of the Durham Family Strategy, focusing on aspects such as feeling happy, healthy, and safe, having trusted adults, support during times of change, and feeling listened to and involved in decisions. The Care Leavers Annual Survey Report indicates a high level of satisfaction with the service, particularly with Young People's Advisers (YPAs), though it also highlights concerns regarding housing stability and safety in accommodation for a subset of young people. The Children in Care Annual Survey 2026 shows that the majority of children and young people feel valued, safe, and have trusted adults in their lives, with positive feedback on relationships and involvement in decision-making. Both reports aim to inform future service development and ensure that the voices of young people remain central to practice.

Durham Family Panel Terms of Reference

The panel will review its own Terms of Reference (TOR), as reported by the Interim Head of Children's Social Care. These TOR form part of Durham County Council's constitution and are reviewed annually to ensure the panel's work remains effective and meets the needs of children in care. The report proposes changes to the TOR, including the removal of a responsibility related to participating in Regulation 44 visits and a specific meeting regarding children's homes maintenance. The report also suggests considering a representative from Future Hope for a co-opted position on the panel. The panel's work programme, managed by Corporate Affairs, aligns with the LGA's Corporate Parenting Resource Pack and the Durham Family Strategy.

Ofsted ILACS Inspection

A specific update on the Ofsted ILACS Inspection from 15-16 May 2026 will be presented. This inspection focused on the experiences and progress of children living in unregistered provision. The findings, detailed in the Public reports pack, indicate that Durham County Council has a clear policy against the use of unregistered placements, employing them only in exceptional circumstances with rigorous oversight. The council is actively working to develop more appropriate specialist provisions to meet the complex needs of children, thereby reducing the need for unregistered placements.

Proud Moments

Strategic Managers are scheduled to provide an update on Proud Moments, sharing positive stories and achievements from across Children and Young People's Services. This segment aims to highlight successes and celebrate the contributions of young people and staff.

Exam Results Update

The Virtual School Head Teacher will provide an update on exam results. This will offer insight into the educational achievements of children in care.

Children in Care Council Presentation

Young People from the Children in Care Council are scheduled to give a presentation. This provides a direct platform for children in care to share their views, experiences, and priorities with the panel.

Regulation 44 Visits

Part B of the meeting, which is not open to the public, will include a summary report of Regulation 44 visits. These visits are conducted to inspect children's homes and ensure they meet required standards.