The Education Scrutiny Sub-Committee met on Monday 24 November 2025 to discuss several key educational initiatives and challenges within Redbridge. The meeting focused on trauma-informed practice in schools, the progress of the SEND and Alternative Provision Priority Action Plan, and strategies to address emotionally-based school avoidance.

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 the Education and Inclusion Directorate. This initiative aims to equip staff with a better understanding of the impact of trauma on children's development and behaviour, promoting a more supportive and less punitive approach. The Mental Health Support Team (MHST) has been delivering training to Education and Inclusion staff, with approximately 200 individuals trained to date. Feedback from this training has been overwhelmingly positive, with attendees reporting a significant increase in their confidence regarding trauma-informed practice.

In addition to this training, the MHST, in collaboration with SENDATSS, is running a whole-school project focused on Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH). This bespoke, year-long project involves auditing school practices, setting goals, delivering staff training, and adapting school policies and environments. Thirteen schools have started the project, with five completing it and seven currently in progress. Early evaluations indicate positive impacts, including an average 3.3-point increase in goal-based outcomes for schools that have completed the project. One secondary school reported a significant reduction in fixed-term suspension rates, from 19.3% to 8.2%, and a decrease in internal exclusions. Next steps include expanding the SEMH project to more schools and training more staff to deliver it. The committee noted this report.

SEND and Alternative Provision (AP) Priority Action Plan

The committee reviewed the progress made against the SEND and Alternative Provision (AP) Priority Action Plan, which was developed in response to a critical inspection by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission in June 2025. The plan, which was 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 provision.

Significant progress has been made, including the establishment of an independently-chaired SEND and Implementation Board to oversee progress, the confirmation of thematic leads across the local authority and health services, and the recruitment of a SEND Transformation Lead. The plan also includes a co-produced communications strategy and a resource plan. A key concern raised during the discussion was the financial implications of the plan, particularly the Council's contribution of £1.793 million over three years, which currently has no allocated budget and represents an additional pressure on the General Fund. There is also a lack of a formal written agreement with the Integrated Care Board (ICB) regarding their expected contribution of £0.596 million.

Following a discussion, the committee resolved to note the report and to recommend to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee that they seek assurance regarding the availability of funding for both Redbridge's share and the partners' share of the bill.

Emotionally-Based School Avoidance (EBSA)

The committee received a verbal presentation on the work being undertaken to address emotionally-based school avoidance (EBSA) across Redbridge. EBSA is defined as a difficulty attending early years settings, school, or college due to emotional reasons, and it is stressed that this is a description of a child's struggle rather than a diagnosis. The workgroup, established 18 months ago, comprises representatives from various services within Education and Inclusion.

Key initiatives include the development of guidance for schools, parents, and young people, and training for frontline staff. An intervention pathway has been created, outlining strategies for early intervention (Wave 1), enhanced support (Wave 2), and sustained difficulty (Wave 3). The committee heard that schools are generally forthcoming in seeking support for this issue, as it has become a significant challenge for them. Discussions also touched upon the challenges faced by education welfare officers in balancing legal frameworks with the understanding of EBSA and mental health advice, and the need for empathetic communication with parents. The committee noted this report.

Other Business

The committee also noted the report on Key Stage 5 results and the Education Scrutiny Sub-Committee Work Plan. The work plan for the next meeting on 23 March 2026 will include an examination of school results, support for young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET), and sports in schools. Additionally, a new item concerning the amount of Religious Education (RE) offered in schools was added to the work plan, following concerns that some schools are not meeting the required five percent of curriculum time for RE.