The Children's Education Overview and Scrutiny Subcommittee meeting on Thursday 12 September 2024 discussed significant challenges and progress in Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) services, the impact of potential VAT changes on independent schools, and the findings of the Barnet Young Resident's Perception Survey. The committee also reviewed updates on Family Services, considered recommendations for Elective Home Education, and discussed future work programmes.

Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) and Alternative Provision Update

The subcommittee received a comprehensive update on SEND services in Barnet, highlighting a consistent year-on-year increase in the number of children and young people requiring support, with a 10% rise in Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) last year. While Barnet maintains a high percentage of children in mainstream education and demonstrates strong attainment and progress for pupils with SEND, concerns were raised regarding high rates of appeals to the SEND tribunal, which remain significantly higher than the national average.

Lisa Hoffman, representing the Barnet Parent Carer Forum, commended the council's high levels of co-production but stressed the ongoing struggles faced by families due to increasing demand and funding pressures. Key issues highlighted included the critical need for early intervention, the impact of insufficient training and funding in schools, lengthy diagnostic assessment waiting times, and the high number of appeals and tribunals. Hoffman also spoke about the challenges of elective home education, emphasizing that children often want to be in school and that barriers to attendance need to be addressed.

Councillor Myers inquired about the potential impact of VAT on school fees and the need for additional school places, to which it was clarified that there is no VAT charge for children with special educational needs. Councillor Longstaff questioned the reasons for the demand for places, considering whether it was due to lower provision in Barnet or an influx of families. The council explained that while Barnet is an attractive borough with families moving in, the demand is a national issue. The cost of placing Barnet residents in independent mainstream schools was also discussed, with the council confirming responsibility for fees if a school is deemed appropriate for a child.

The discussion also addressed the council's approach to resolving disputes between parents and the council, with the introduction of two associates for disagreement resolution and existing mediation arrangements. Concerns were raised about families lacking trust in the system and skipping mediation to go directly to tribunals, which was acknowledged as a waste of resources. Councillor Conway highlighted the injustice faced by families without legal support for tribunals, advocating for a fairer system through pre-tribunal mediation.

Members' Item: VAT on School Fees and its Impact on Independent Schools

Raisel Freedman, representing PAGES (Partnerships for Jewish Schools), raised concerns about the potential impact of the imposition of VAT on school fees and the removal of business rates relief, particularly for the high number of Jewish independent schools in Barnet. Freedman highlighted that if these schools become financially unsustainable, it could lead to an influx of students into the state sector, requiring an assessment of available educational provision.

Neil Marlowe, Assistant Director, provided data on the significant number of Jewish state and independent schools in Barnet. He noted that while non-faith state schools have capacity to absorb students from independent non-faith schools, the situation for faith independent schools, particularly Jewish ones, is more complex. Marlowe explained that if parents cannot afford fees for independent Jewish schools, there are limited state faith school alternatives that would meet their specific religious requirements, potentially leading to elective home education. He outlined potential next steps, including welcoming independent school pupils into state schools, reviewing criteria for independent schools becoming state schools, and increasing capacity in strictly Orthodox schools. He also suggested that members might consider lobbying the Department for Education (DfE) to exempt independent faith schools from the VAT exemption where no state alternative exists.

Councillor Longstaff inquired about the analysis of what happens if independent schools close due to financial unsustainability, and it was confirmed that one school has already indicated it may have to close if the VAT changes are implemented. The discussion also touched upon the situation of Muslim independent schools in Barnet, noting that while the council is not obligated to provide faith places, it aims to ensure appropriate provision.

The committee agreed to support the recommendation for members to consider writing a letter to ministers regarding the VAT changes, focusing on faith schools where no state alternatives exist.

Barnet Young Resident's Perception Survey 2023/24

Ben Thomas and Rosie Evangeli presented the findings of the Barnet Young Resident's Perception Survey, which surveyed 500 young people aged 11 to 18. The survey indicated that the majority of core indicators remain in line with previous years, with high satisfaction levels regarding Barnet as a place to live and a family-friendly borough. However, the survey also revealed that disabled young people, those living in specific wards (Burnt Oak, Colindale North, Hendon), and young people of mixed or multiple ethnic backgrounds or who are female are less likely to be satisfied in certain areas.

Satisfaction with the council's performance has seen a slight drop since its peak in 2019, and satisfaction with primary and secondary education has declined, with more young people reporting being neutral or unsure. Personal safety remains a concern, with knife crime, gangs, the safety of girls, and hate crime identified as top concerns. The survey highlighted that one in four young people view hate crime as a concern.

The committee discussed the findings, with Councillor Baker seeking further analysis on the drivers of dips in results and the potential for more qualitative research. A comprehensive action plan based on the survey's findings will be presented to Cabinet in November. Councillor Fletcher raised concerns about the decline in young people feeling safe in schools since 2016, and the committee discussed whether this perception is linked to specific schools or general feelings. Councillor Naranthira expressed concern about the wards identified as having lower satisfaction and asked about working with schools in those areas. Councillor Wildish requested that the action plan address the top four personal safety concerns for young people through coordinated activity with agencies like the police.

Family Services Quarterly Update

The committee received a quarterly update on Family Services, which included positive outcomes from a recent Ofsted inspection. The update highlighted progress in the Healthy Child Programme, the implementation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for young carers, and a strategy document for tackling child exploitation.

Councillor Hutton inquired about the duration of contact with care leavers, and it was confirmed that Barnet pledges lifelong support, with care leavers in their thirties still making contact. Councillor Conway praised the clarity of the child exploitation strategy and its relevance to safeguarding policies in schools, asking about engagement with schools. Raisel Freedman noted the strategy's aim to improve representation with marginalized communities and requested specific consideration for the Jewish community, given their vulnerability to exploitation. The committee agreed to the recommendations presented in the report.

Elective Home Education Task and Finish Group - Final Report

The subcommittee considered the final report from the Elective Home Education (EHE) Task and Finish Group. The report noted a rise in the number of children educated at home, a trend observed nationally. A key recommendation, which is expected to become law, is the introduction of a register for families educating their children at home, requiring them to register with the local authority.

Councillor Naranthira welcomed the prospect of a register and monitoring process. Councillor Lemon raised concerns about the associated costs of the recommendations, which will be presented to Cabinet. Naomi Phillips sought clarification on the figures presented, questioning how many children are not included in the EHE statistics. Councillor Hutton raised concerns about how the readiness of home-educated children to take exams would be assessed, and Lauren Jackson, who leads the EHE team, explained that parents are ultimately responsible, but acknowledged the potential difficulty in assessing readiness and the strain on EHE teachers. Councillor Longstaff discussed the 10-day grace period for children leaving school for EHE, questioning its impact on those waiting for school places. The committee agreed to send the report and recommendations to Cabinet.

Cabinet Forward Plan and Work Programme

The subcommittee reviewed the Cabinet Forward Plan for 2024-25, considering any items they wished to request for pre-decision scrutiny. They also reviewed their own work programme for the upcoming year. No specific comments were made on either document during the meeting.