The Children, Young Persons & Education Scrutiny Committee of North Northamptonshire Council met on Monday 08 September 2025 to discuss the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), the development of Family Hubs, and issues surrounding school attendance, elective home education, and alternative provision. Key decisions included recommending regular monitoring updates on Family Hubs and adding attendance, elective home education, and alternative provision to the scrutiny work plan for ongoing review.

Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)

Debbie Lloyd, Director of Social Care at Northamptonshire Children's Trust, presented a report on the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH). She highlighted significant progress made since 2023, including improvements in timeliness, workforce stability, and multi-agency collaboration, as confirmed by two independent peer reviews. The MASH plays a crucial role in early intervention and coordinated safeguarding responses, aligning with the Council's Better, Brighter Futures priority. The report detailed key performance indicators, referral trends, and emerging concerns, such as the rise in emotional health and child exploitation cases. Challenges around threshold consistency and the need for continued workforce development were also discussed. Future plans include implementing the Liquid Logic case management system and strengthening governance.

During the discussion, councillors sought clarification on the role of housing support teams within the early help system and the arrangements for ensuring best practice among partners. It was explained that the Working Together to Safeguard Children guidance sets the framework for statutory partners, with regular senior meetings and data analysis through the 'Observatory' system aiding in identifying areas for support. The committee noted the report and raised no immediate concerns, acknowledging the positive developments.

Family Hubs in North Northamptonshire

Judy Matthews, Strategic Lead for Family Hubs & Early Years, and Helene Denness, Deputy Director of Public Health, presented an update on the development of Family Hubs in North Northamptonshire. The council is one of 75 authorities receiving funding from the Department for Education (DfE) and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) for this programme, which has been extended until March 2026. The programme has regained momentum following a period of pause, with the former Family Hub Partnership Board re-established as the North Northamptonshire Family Help Partnership Board.

Key achievements include the launch of three Family Hub networks in Wellingborough, Kettering, and East Northants, the development of a Digital Front Door accessed by over 20,000 residents, and the alignment of health-commissioned services for children aged 0–19 (or up to 25 with SEND). The Corby Family Hub Network is set to launch by March 2026, with a focus on co-production and community involvement. Recruitment to the new Family Hub/Family Help Team is underway, with final confirmation of funding needed to secure a full staff complement.

Councillors raised concerns about identified funding gaps and the programme's end date. It was explained that robust mechanisms are in place to ensure sustainability, including strengthened partnerships with voluntary sector organisations. Questions were also raised about accessibility for vulnerable groups, and it was confirmed that public consultations and an enhanced digital offer are being used to ensure broad access. The committee resolved to recommend that officers provide regular monitoring updates on the effectiveness and impact of the Family Hubs programme.

Attendance, Elective Home Education and Alternative Provision

Annette Perrington, Interim Head of Inclusion, presented a report on school attendance, suspensions, exclusions, alternative provision, and elective home education (EHE) in North Northamptonshire. It was noted that national school attendance levels have not recovered to pre-pandemic levels, with an increase in parents choosing EHE, more children facing suspensions and exclusions, and a rise in those identified with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). These national trends are reflected locally and are a focus for children's services improvement. New statutory guidance, Working Together to Improve School Attendance, came into effect in August 2024, alongside existing guidance on children missing education, medical conditions, and exclusions.

The report indicated that North Northamptonshire's overall attendance is broadly in line with national and regional benchmarks. However, persistent and severe absence rates in secondary schools are slightly above national averages, and primary school suspensions and exclusions are significantly higher than national and regional figures. The report highlighted that insufficient alternative provision (AP) availability and the developing early help offer through Family Hubs contribute to these challenges.

Councillors sought clarification on the correlation between exclusions and the demand for SEND assessments, noting that nationally, the availability of specialist places remains a challenge for mainstream schools. The committee noted the report and resolved to add attendance, elective home education, and alternative provision to the scrutiny work plan for regular monitoring.

Children, Young Person & Education Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

The committee reviewed the proposed work programme for forthcoming meetings. It was resolved that a regular monitoring update on attendance, elective home education, and alternative provision be added to the scrutiny work plan.

The meeting concluded with thanks to members and officers for their contributions.