The Children and Education Scrutiny Sub-Committee met on 17 October 2024 to discuss the council's early help offer, preparations for upcoming inspections of children's social care and SEND services, and to review progress on improvement plans. Key decisions included noting the progress of the Family Hubs programme, acknowledging the council's readiness for Ofsted inspections, and reviewing the SEND improvement strategy.

Early Help Offer

The committee received an update on the progress of the Family Hubs and Start for Life programmes, which aim to provide integrated support for families with children from conception to age two. Mohammed Jolil, Head of Early Help & Children & Families, highlighted the success of the four Family Hubs across the borough, which offer a range of services and have seen significant engagement from families and partners. Over 4,000 families attended launch events, and 37 community partners are collaborating with the hubs. The programme has also involved extensive staff training and outreach to hard-to-reach families. Visitors from government departments, including Dame Andrea Leadsom, former Minister of Health, and a delegate from Ukraine, have visited the hubs, recognising their positive impact. Satisfaction surveys indicate that 98% of families feel welcomed, and 78% are satisfied with the services provided. The council is on track to meet government recommendations by March 2025, with ongoing work on a multi-agency data sharing agreement, outreach strategy, communications strategy, and an outcomes framework. A video showcasing the work of the children and family centres and testimonials from families was also presented.

In response to questions, officers clarified that the visits from Dame Andrea Leadsom and the Ukrainian delegate were at the visitors' request. They also explained that each centre offers daily universal services to identify children needing additional support, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The network of 16 Family Hub sites, including smaller 'spokes', has been established through collaboration with voluntary sector partners. The council has received funding for the Family Hubs from Public Health, and efforts are underway to improve the website's user-friendliness. Work is also in progress to address language difficulties experienced by children since the pandemic. The 'Positive Change Centre' was highlighted as supporting perpetrators, victims, and children dealing with domestic abuse, with additional early intervention programmes available within the Family Hubs and children's centres.

Inspection Preparation: Children's Social Care

Councillor Maium Talukdar, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education, Youth and Lifelong Learning, introduced the update on preparations for the upcoming Ofsted Inspection of Local Authority Children's Services (ILACS). Susannah Beasley-Murray, Director of Children's Services, reported that Tower Hamlets is the last London authority yet to undergo this inspection. The inspection process, which will be a short, two-week inspection due to the council's previous 'Good' rating in 2019, will involve inspectors examining children's records, meeting with social workers, early help practitioners, and partners. Key areas of focus will include the experiences and progress of children needing help and protection, children in care, care leavers, and the corporate and political leadership for children in care.

The committee heard about the service's strengths, including its workforce, the 'Better Together' practice framework, a supportive and challenging culture, effective leadership, and a focus on early intervention. Areas for continued focus include combating domestic abuse, harm outside the home, neglect, and strengthening partnerships. Ms Beasley-Murray also noted ongoing support for the career development of Black and global majority professionals and the transition to adulthood for care leavers. The council is reviewing inspection reports from other local authorities to identify and address themes such as support for young carers, homelessness among 16-17 year olds, unregulated placements, and exploitation and missing children. An annual engagement meeting with Ofsted in March confirmed no significant concerns were raised and that the upcoming inspection would be short. The updated improvement plan, with five key priorities, is monitored monthly by the Children's Services Continuous Improvement Board.

In response to questions, officers confirmed that new legislation requires 16-17 year olds in supported living accommodation to be Ofsted regulated, and that a review of children in unregistered settings has been conducted. Details on the number of care leavers employed through apprenticeships will be circulated. The effectiveness of safeguarding is ensured through the Children's Safeguarding Board, with representation from health colleagues and the police. A Neglect Toolkit has been developed for staff, and training is provided for child sexual abuse allegations. The Strategic Exploitation Board works with support workers and the police to address issues of missing children and exploitation. The council is also working to improve community understanding of child harm through the Children's Partnership, an Interfaith Coordinator, and partner training.

SEND Inspection Preparation & Improvement Update

Lisa Fraser, Director of Education, presented an update on the progress of the SEND Improvement Programme and readiness for the Area SEND Inspection. Pauline Maddison, Education Associate, noted that Tower Hamlets is one of two London authorities awaiting inspection, which will be more intensive than previous ones and will place significant weight on feedback from children, young people, and parents. The inspection will also evaluate alternative provision. Themes from recent inspections include EHCP timeliness and quality, long waiting times for health assessments, lack of multi-agency working, and insufficient preparation for adulthood support.

The council is preparing for the inspection by developing a SEND self-evaluation, establishing a multi-agency inspection preparation group, and assembling data and evidence. Progress has been made against the Written Statement of Action, with improvements in EHCP timeliness, ASD assessment waiting times, and early years therapies. Areas for focus include finalising the SEND and Inclusion strategy, improving internal systems for EHCP timeliness and quality, and launching an Inclusion Framework with schools. The presentation highlighted the high level of SEND inclusion in Tower Hamlets schools, with above-average achievement and lower suspension/exclusion rates.

In response to questions, officers acknowledged resource issues and high demand for EHCPs, leading to delays. They confirmed that additional staffing has been sought and quality procedures reviewed, with a Task and Finish Group to be established. Early intervention is considered crucial to expedite assessments, which are lengthy and expensive. Parents dissatisfied with EHCP provision can contact the SENDIASS service for advice and support. The Inclusion Framework aims to support children with mild to moderate SEND, with ongoing training opportunities for teachers. The gender imbalance in SEND figures reflects national trends, with girls often having undiagnosed needs. The council is also addressing the rising costs of SEND transport through route planning and travel training. A written Statement of Actions Plan will be circulated to members.

The committee also discussed the gender imbalance in SEND figures, with 72% male and 28% female, which reflects a national trend where girls may have undiagnosed needs. The rising costs of transport for children with SEND were also discussed, with strategies being implemented to improve efficiency and sustainability.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on future agenda items, including a visit to Kit Kat Terrace and a review of free school meals.