The Education Scrutiny Sub-Committee meeting on 24 November 2025 focused on improving educational outcomes and support for young people in Redbridge. Key discussions included the implementation of a trauma-informed practice strategy across schools, the progress of the SEND and Alternative Provision Priority Action Plan, and an overview of Key Stage 5 results. Decisions were made to note reports on these topics and to seek assurance regarding the funding for the SEND action plan.

Trauma-Informed Practice in Education and Schools

The committee received an update on the implementation of trauma-informed practice (TIP) across Redbridge's educational settings and within the Education and Inclusion Directorate. This initiative, led by the Redbridge Mental Health Support Team (MHST), aims to equip staff with the knowledge to understand the impact of trauma on children's development and behaviour, promoting a shift from what's wrong with you to what's happened to you.

The work has two main strands: training for Education and Inclusion staff and the Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) project delivered in collaboration with SENDATSS. Training has been delivered to approximately 200 Education and Inclusion staff and 200 early years professionals, with overwhelmingly positive feedback indicating increased confidence and a willingness to apply new learning.

The SEMH project, a year-long, bespoke whole-school initiative, has been implemented in 13 schools, with 5 completed and 7 in progress. Early evaluations show an average 3.3-point increase in goal-based outcomes for participating schools. One secondary school reported a significant reduction in fixed-term suspensions, dropping from 19.3% to 8.2%, and a decrease in internal exclusions. Next steps include expanding the SEMH project to more schools and training additional staff to deliver it. The committee agreed to note this report.

SEND and Alternative Provision (AP) Priority Action Plan

The committee reviewed the progress made on the SEND and Alternative Provision (AP) Priority Action Plan, which was developed in response to a disappointing inspection by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in May 2025. The plan, approved by the Department for Education (DfE) and NHS England (NHSE) in October 2025, outlines actions to address identified weaknesses in the local area's SEND partnership.

Significant progress has been made, including the establishment of an independently-chaired SEND and Implementation Board, the confirmation of thematic leads across the local authority, NHS England, and the Integrated Care Board (ICB), and the recruitment of a SEND Transformation Lead. A co-produced communications plan and a resource plan have also been developed.

A key concern raised during the discussion was the financial commitment required. The Council is expected to contribute £1.79 million over three years, with an anticipated £596,000 from the ICB. However, there is no formal written agreement with the ICB, creating a financial risk for the Council. Councillor Saxe highlighted that the Council's contribution has no dedicated budget, placing an additional pressure on the General Fund. The committee resolved to recommend to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee that they seek assurance that the necessary funding will be available from both Redbridge's share and the partners' share.

Overview of Key Stage 5 Results - Post 16

The committee received a presentation on Key Stage 5 outcomes, highlighting trends and areas for improvement. While overall average point scores for students in Redbridge are in line with national averages, there is a concern that higher grades in facilitating subjects (such as sciences, maths, and humanities) remain lower than desired. Disadvantaged students are performing better than non-disadvantaged students in terms of average point scores and facilitating subjects at the higher end, but the gap is wider in vocational subjects. For students with Special Educational Needs (SEN), outcomes are lower than national averages in academic subjects, though slightly higher in vocational and technical education.

The Strategic Lead for Schools Improvement outlined a new approach focused on collaboration with schools, providing access to support, and disseminating best practices. The committee noted the report and resolved to receive education performance data when available for review before the March 2026 meeting.

Emotional School Avoidance (ESA)

A verbal update was provided on the work being undertaken to address Emotional School Avoidance (ESA) across Redbridge. This initiative aims to create a joined-up approach to support young people and families struggling with school attendance due to emotional reasons. The work is underpinned by student and parent carer voice, and guidance has been created for schools, parents, and young people. Training has been delivered to frontline staff, and an intervention pathway has been developed to guide support from early intervention to more sustained difficulties.

The committee noted the report on ESA.

Education Scrutiny Sub-Committee Work Plan

The committee reviewed and agreed to note changes to its work plan. The next meeting is scheduled for 23 March 2026, with planned discussions on school results across all levels, young people Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET), and sports in schools. A new item to be added to the agenda is the development of a strategy to address concerns that a number of schools are not offering the required amount of Religious Education (RE) curriculum time.