The Children, Education and Families Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee met on 11 September 2025, and among other things, discussed the Children and Young People's Plan 2025-2029, the constitution of the Schools Forum, and a deep dive into children and young people's mental health and wellbeing services. The committee supported the recommendations in all of the reports they discussed.

Children and Young People's Mental Health and Wellbeing Services

The committee undertook a deep dive into Children and Young People's Mental Health and Wellbeing Services, considering the Deep Dive - CYP Mental Health and Wellbeing Services report. Mental health was a key priority for the council, and early intervention was seen as vital to building resilience, promoting wellbeing and preventing the escalation of mental health needs.

Constitution of the Schools Forum

The committee reviewed the Constitution of the Schools Forum. The Schools Forum is a statutory body made up of headteachers, governors and academy representatives that advises the local authority on financial matters relating to schools¹. The constitution sets out the terms of reference, membership and responsibilities of the Schools Forum. The committee supported the recommendations in the report.

Children and Young People's Plan 2025-2029

The committee discussed the Children and Young People's Plan 2025-2029. The plan sets out the council's priorities for children and young people in the borough for the next four years. It covers a range of issues, including education, health, social care, and safety. The committee supported the recommendations in the report.

Budget Monitoring 2025/26

The committee considered the Budget Monitoring 2025/26 report. The report provided an update on the financial position of the Children, Education and Families portfolio for the current financial year. The committee supported the recommendations in the report.

Update on SEND Transport

The committee received an Update on SEND Transport. This covered the transport arrangements for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Corporate Parenting Annual Report

The committee reviewed the Corporate Parenting Annual Report. Corporate parenting refers to the collective responsibility of the council to provide the best possible care and support for children in care². The report provided an overview of the council's performance as a corporate parent over the past year.

Progress Update for the 0-25 Service

The committee received a Progress Update for the 0-25 Service. The 0-25 Service provides support to young people with special educational needs and disabilities from birth to the age of 25.

Spending by Maintained Schools in 2024/25

The committee considered a report on Spending by Primary Secondary and Special Maintained Schools in 2024/25. This provided an overview of how maintained schools in the borough had spent their budgets in the previous financial year.

Residential Children's Home

The committee reviewed a report on a Residential Childrens Home. This discussed the performance and operation of the council's residential children's homes.

Children, Education and Families Portfolio Plan

The committee received an update on the Children Education and Families Portfolio Plan 202526 Q1 Update. This plan sets out the key priorities and objectives for the Children, Education and Families portfolio over the coming year.

Contract Award Under Exemption: Family Drug and Alcohol Court Service (FDAC)

The committee considered a report regarding a Contract Award Under Exemption Family Drug and Alcohol Court Service FDAC. Family Drug and Alcohol Courts (FDAC) are specialist courts that deal with care proceedings where parental substance misuse is a significant factor³.

Capital Programme Monitoring

The committee reviewed the Capital Programme Monitoring - Q1 202526 report, which provided an update on the progress of capital projects within the Children, Education and Families portfolio.

Children, Education and Families Risk Register

The committee considered the Children Education and Families Risk Register - 202526 Q1 Update. This register identifies the key risks facing the portfolio and the measures in place to mitigate them.

Performance Reporting - Children's Scrutiny Dataset

The committee received the Performance Reporting Childrens Scrutiny Dataset Part 1 Public Report. This dataset provides a range of performance indicators relating to children's services in the borough.

Questions to the Portfolio Holder

The committee considered Questions to the CEF Portfolio Holder.