The Children's Services Scrutiny Panel met on Tuesday 15 April 2025 to discuss the borough's Early Help and Early Intervention Offer, progress on Adoption and Permanence, and the outcomes for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Key decisions included noting the progress reports and making recommendations for future work programmes.

Early Help and Early Intervention Offer

The panel discussed the ongoing consultation regarding the borough's Early Help and Early Intervention Offer, which includes proposed changes to children's centre provision. Helen Harding, Assistant Director for Early Help and Prevention, addressed questions from Ms Clare Welsby of the Save Ealing Children's Centres Group. Ms Harding clarified that no final decisions had been made as the consultation was still open. The proposals aim to ensure an Early Help offer in each town, considering areas of greatest need and utilising community venues. Data on deprivation, free school meals, children in need, child protection, and SAFE referrals had informed these proposals. The consultation was not solely savings-driven, but aimed to increase uptake of Early Help services and engage underserved families, aligning with the council's 'Connected Communities' vision.

Councillor Josh Blacker, Cabinet Member for a Fairer Start, highlighted that the proposals were still under consideration and that the council was exploring how to better serve communities that were not currently accessing services. He emphasised that the aim was to prevent children from entering statutory services later on. The panel heard that over 2,000 consultation responses had been received, demonstrating the council's commitment to inclusive engagement.

Discussions also covered the 20-minute neighbourhood framework, with the council aiming to work with partners and residents to better understand local needs and improve accessibility. The consultation process itself involved face-to-face and online events, with efforts made to accommodate language barriers and provide easy-read documents. Officers confirmed that data on venue usage and footfall would be analysed for the final report to Cabinet.

Councillor Blacker stressed that the proposals aimed to create more vibrant community hubs with comprehensive offers, potentially consolidating services into fewer sites while enhancing outreach. The council acknowledged a gap in services for children aged 5 to 12 and was considering partnerships with youth services for activities in park spaces. The importance of transport and accessibility was also noted, with a commitment to running services closer to families in need. The council also heard feedback on the use of faith spaces and hostels, and the role of digital services, ensuring they complement rather than replace face-to-face provision. Robust risk assessments would be in place for all community spaces used.

The panel resolved to note the content of the Early Help/Early Intervention Offer report.

Adoption and Permanence

Richard Widdowson, Head of Fostering and CONNECT, and Ms Debbie Gabriel, Head of Service for Adopt London West, presented an update on Adoption and Permanence. The report highlighted Ealing's performance in achieving permanence for looked-after children through kinship care and adoption.

Mr Widdowson reported that Ealing's performance in Special Guardianship Orders (SGOs) was strong, with 18 SGOs granted in 2024/25, exceeding the national average. He noted that Ealing had a dedicated kinship team and that the council considered kinship care as the next best option after remaining with birth parents.

Ms Gabriel provided an update on adoption figures, noting that while numbers were small, there had been an improvement in 2024/25 with six children placed for adoption, and two in early permanence placements. She explained that children placed for adoption were those for whom kinship options had been exhausted. Adopt London West, a regional adoption agency partnership, was working to identify suitable adopters, considering factors such as race, culture, and ethnicity, and preparing them for children with complex needs.

The panel discussed the challenges of lengthy court proceedings and the need for robust matching processes. Councillor Blacker highlighted the government's Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which would place kinship care on a statutory footing.

In response to questions, officers discussed the importance of raising awareness of private fostering, the use of family group conferences, and the detailed assessment process for kinship carers, including those living overseas. The council's commitment to supporting kinship carers, including financial packages and therapeutic support, was also outlined. A suggestion was made to enhance allowances for kinship carers without means-testing.

The panel recommended that the council continue to develop and strengthen its macro strategy for kinship carer provision.

The panel resolved to note the contents of the update report on Adoption and Permanence.

Progress of Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

Aretha Banton, Assistant Director SEND Inclusion, Julie Lewis, Director Learning Standards School Partnerships, and Samira John-Bailey, Principal Early Years Foundation Stage Adviser/Quality Lead, presented a report on the academic progress and outcomes for children and young people with SEND.

Ms Lewis stated that Ealing's SEND provision was performing well, with children achieving above national averages in early years, primary, and secondary education. She highlighted the Ealing Learning Partnership's (ELP) work in connecting schools and sharing best practices, including the development of SENDCo cluster groups to support professionals. The report detailed strategies to support schools in mobilising the right support for children with SEND, including training programmes, outreach services, and the development of resources such as the SEND Expectations Ordinarily Available guidance.

The rise in the number of children requiring Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs) was noted as a national trend, attributed to factors including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, increased awareness of SEND needs, and a rise in social, emotional, and mental health needs. The council's strategy includes early intervention and workforce development to address these rising demands.

Discussions also covered neurodiversity-affirming practice, which focuses on a strengths-based approach to supporting children with learning differences. The council is co-producing a preparation for adulthood strategy to ensure smooth transitions for young people with SEND from early years through to age 25.

The panel heard about initiatives to improve post-16 provision and pathways to employment for young people with SEND, including supported internships and collaborations with local colleges and employers. The Ealing Learning Partnership's work in careers education and the development of apprenticeship opportunities was also highlighted.

A recommendation was made for a future report on transition planning for children and young people with SEND, including the role of businesses and third parties in supporting this process.

The panel resolved to note the contents of the report on Progress of Children with SEND and the officer presentations.

Panel Recommendations

The panel reviewed its previous recommendations and the responses received. It was noted that a report on the performance of the fostering service would be considered at a future meeting, and that the council would continue to lobby the Department for Education for funding for traineeships and apprenticeships. The panel also noted that data on domestic violence would be broken down by ward or town and brought back to the committee.

The panel put forward two new recommendations:

• That the council be encouraged to continue its work in developing and strengthening a macro strategy for its provision for kinship carers.
• That a report on transition planning for children and young people with SEN, including transition planning from primary to secondary and for employment, should be brought to a future meeting. This report should also consider how businesses and other third parties could contribute to such planning.

The Chair, Councillor Swaran Padda, thanked the officers and directors for their contributions. The meeting concluded at 9:15 pm.