The Children and Young People's Services Policy and Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to consider a range of important updates and reports concerning the welfare and development of children and young people in North Somerset. Key discussions were scheduled to include the annual report of the North Somerset Safeguarding Children Partnership, an update on children's services improvement and national reforms, and performance and finance information. The committee was also scheduled to review the SEND Reform Plan for 2026–2029, receive an update on WECA membership and workstreams, and consider the future of adoption services through Adoption West.

Addresses by Members of the Public

The committee was scheduled to receive and hear from any members of the public who wished to address the committee on matters affecting the district and falling within the committee's remit.

Children's Services Improvement and National Reform Update

This report was scheduled to provide an update on the progress made in improving children's services since the 2023 inspection. It was also scheduled to outline the proposed approach for developing a Children's Services Next Steps Plan, informed by the September 2026 ILACS report. The report was scheduled to detail the governance and assurance arrangements for this plan and the implementation of national reforms, ensuring the oversight of progress, risk, and the continuity of safe and effective services.

North Somerset Safeguarding Children Partnership Annual Report 2025-2026

The committee was scheduled to review the North Somerset Safeguarding Children Partnership's annual report for the period of 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026. This report was scheduled to provide an overview of the Partnership's activities, achievements, learning, scrutiny arrangements, and future priorities, demonstrating how agencies have collaborated to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people in North Somerset.

SEND Reform Plan 2026–2029

The committee was scheduled to consider the North Somerset SEND Reform Plan for 2026–2029. This plan was scheduled to set out a three-year programme aimed at improving outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) through earlier support, stronger inclusive mainstream provision, increased local specialist capacity, and improved partnership working. The report was scheduled to recommend the adoption of this plan by Cabinet, noting that the Department for Education had formally approved the plan and confirmed eligibility for a High Needs Stability Grant.

WECA Membership and Workstreams Update

This report was scheduled to provide an update on the progress towards North Somerset Council's potential membership of the West of England Combined Authority (WECA). It was also scheduled to cover recent national legislation and policy announcements relating to English devolution and detail WECA's change programme and revised committee structures. The committee was asked to consider the frequency and type of future WECA updates it would find most useful, with a particular focus on workstreams relevant to children and young people, such as the Child Poverty Strategy, Skills and Employment, and Health & Public Service Reform.

Adoption West

The committee was scheduled to review the contract with Adoption West, the Regional Adoption Agency serving six local authorities, including North Somerset. The current contractual arrangements were scheduled to expire on 28 February 2027. An independent review had concluded that continuing and developing the existing Adoption West model was the preferred option for future service delivery. The report was scheduled to recommend the variation and extension of the contract for an initial period of three years, with options to extend for a further two years, twice.

Children and Young People's Services Policy and Scrutiny Committee Work Programme October 2026

The committee was scheduled to review its work programme for the upcoming period. This included planned committee working groups, such as the School Organisation Steering Group, and briefings on topics like the relocation of the Secondary Pupil Referral Unit site for the Voyage Learning Campus, the needs-led model of care for neurodivergent children, Best Start Family Hubs, Collaborative Practice Reviews, and EHCP Provision in North Somerset. The report was also scheduled to record the outcomes of previous agenda items and outline future planned reports.

The committee was scheduled to consider the Emotionally Based School Avoidance working group report, with feedback to be provided to officers and the directorate's approach endorsed. It was also scheduled to review Performance and Finance Information, considering areas of challenge and actions being taken, and to identify any areas requiring further assurance. The Self-Evaluation of Children's Services was scheduled for review, with members asked to comment on performance and priorities. An update on the Implementation of National Reforms to Children's Services was scheduled, covering progress on Families First reforms, Best Start Family Hubs, the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026, and preparation for SEND reform. The committee was also scheduled to receive the North Somerset Safeguarding Children Partnership Annual Report 2025/2026 for noting and comment.

The committee was scheduled to consider the SEND Reform Plan 2026–2029, with a recommendation to Cabinet for its adoption, endorsing its strategic direction. An update on WECA membership and workstreams was scheduled, and the committee was asked to consider future reporting frequency and format. Finally, the committee was scheduled to review the Adoption West contract, noting and supporting the recommendation to Cabinet for its variation and extension.