The Children and Families Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday 15 October 2025 to discuss the Youth Justice Plan for 2025-2026, the Continuous Improvement and Impact Plan Scorecard, and the Schools Strategy Progress Report. The committee considered the Youth Justice Plan, provided feedback on the draft Continuous Improvement and Impact Plan Scorecard, and noted the progress made against the Schools Strategy.

Youth Justice Plan 2025/26

The committee considered the statutory annual Youth Justice Plan for 2025-2026, which outlines the responsibilities of the Youth Justice Partnership in producing the plan and details the provision, funding, composition, operation, and functions of youth justice services. The plan is a requirement under Section 40 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and must be submitted to the Youth Justice Board and Ministry of Justice.

During the discussion, Councillor Shan Alexander, Chair of the Marple Area Committee and Employment Appeals Committee, highlighted her experience as a former magistrate and noted that expelled students and those with special educational needs were frequently involved with the youth justice system. She also raised questions about the HMIP framework and the different types of remands, which were clarified by Jacqui Belfield-Smith, Head of Youth Justice, Complex Safeguarding & Serious Violence Reduction. Councillor Angie Clark inquired about violence against the person offences, and it was confirmed that the majority of victims were other young people. Councillor Jon Byrne, Chair of the Audit Committee, asked about the demographic breakdowns in the report and the continuation of the Show Racism the Red Card initiative. Councillor Ian Hunter, Chair of the Housing, Economy & Environment Scrutiny Committee, sought clarification on data points and the stabilisation of re-offending rates, with Superintendent Hemphill providing context on prolific young offenders. Councillor Hunter also raised concerns about the over-representation of Black and mixed-race young people in the youth justice system, a point echoed by Councillor Alexander. Jacqui Belfield-Smith and Superintendent Hemphill explained the ongoing work to address disproportionality through targeted prevention and by examining policing practices. Councillor Colin Foster, Vice-Chair of the Children & Families Scrutiny Committee, raised concerns about the small font size and light colouring in the report, which was acknowledged and noted for future formatting improvements. The committee was asked to recommend and endorse the Youth Justice Plan.

Continuous Improvement and Impact Plan Scorecard

The committee reviewed the draft Continuous Improvement and Impact Plan performance scorecard, which has been developed to support effective reporting against the Continuous Improvement and Impact Plan. Chris McLoughlin, Executive Director for People, Integration and Children Services, explained that the scorecard is a work in progress and will be refined over time. Councillor Jon Byrne asked about the accessibility and up-to-dateness of the data for frontline staff, and Mr McLoughlin confirmed that much of the data is available on a daily basis through a Tableau dashboard. Councillor Ian Hunter observed that the direction of travel indicators on the scorecard could be clearer, suggesting different colour coding for upward trends that represent negative performance. Mr McLoughlin agreed to incorporate a RAG rating system to improve clarity. Councillor Rosemary Barratt asked for an explanation of the percentage of contacts completed within 24 hours of creation metric, and it was explained that this relates to contacts received by the Multi-Agency Safeguarding and Support Hub (MASH) and that the August figures were lower due to school holidays. The committee was asked to note the development of the scorecard, provide feedback, and support its continued refinement.

Schools Strategy Progress Report

The committee received an update on the progress made during the last academic year against the School Strategy, which aims for Stockport to have the best schools in the country where every child is included in their success. Lynn Perry, Director of Education, Work & Skills, presented the report, highlighting progress in formal partnerships between schools, the restructuring of delivery services, and the commitment to collaboration with partners and families. Councillor Shan Alexander raised questions about the role of Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) and the decision-making processes involved in academisation. Ms. Perry clarified that the strategy advocates for formal partnerships, not exclusively MATs, and that collaboration brings advantages. Councillor Jon Byrne inquired about the viability of council services to schools as more schools become academies and the opportunity to supplement alternative provision with falling pupil numbers. Ms. Perry explained the challenges of providing services in a mixed maintained and academy system but noted the stability of the school effectiveness service. Councillor Dallas Jones asked about the inclusion of the Private, Voluntary and Independent (PVI) sector in the early support section, and it was acknowledged that the report was written from a school's perspective. Councillor Ian Hunter challenged the ambition of the strategy, suggesting that best should be defined by being in the top quarter nationally, and Ms. Perry agreed to set more ambitious targets. Councillor Angie Clark raised concerns about the slow process of obtaining Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) for children with special educational needs, and Ms. Perry stated that while processes are improving, there is still work to do, emphasising the importance of early intervention to reduce demand. Councillor Alexander also questioned the achievability of targets for children eligible for free school meals reaching a good level of development. Ms. Perry confirmed the targets were achievable but ambitious, and that while early years outcomes for disadvantaged children were a challenge, they were performing well in primary school. The committee was asked to note the contents of the report and the progress made.

Scrutiny Work Programme

The committee reviewed the planned agenda items for future meetings and the Forward Plan. Councillor Jon Byrne noted that there were 15 items yet to be planned for the next three meetings, which seemed like a significant number. The committee was invited to put forward any agenda items for future meetings.