The Children's, Young Persons & Education Scrutiny Committee of North Northamptonshire Council met on Monday 12 January 2026 to discuss the Corporate Parenting Strategy, the Care Experienced Pledge, the Housing Pathway for Care Leavers, and the Education, Employment, and Training (EET) of care-experienced young adults. Key decisions included recommending regular reporting on the Corporate Parenting Strategy, endorsing continued development of the Housing Pathway, and advocating for expanded work experience opportunities for care leavers.

Corporate Parenting Strategy

The committee reviewed the draft Corporate Parenting Strategy, which aims to ensure that all children in care and care-experienced young people receive the same support and opportunities as the council's own children. The strategy is built around four key priorities: Belonging and Resilience, Health and Well-being, Support to Fulfil Potential, and Feeling Safe and Secure. Members expressed support for the terminology of extra parents and the inclusion of strategic partners such as Northamptonshire Police. The committee recommended that regular, at least annual, reporting on the strategy's progress, including updates from the Corporate Parenting Board, be provided to the Scrutiny Committee.

Care Experienced Pledge

Colin Foster, Chief Executive of Northamptonshire Children's Trust, presented the Care Experienced Pledge, an initiative designed to encourage local businesses and organisations to support care-experienced young people. The pledge outlines various ways organisations can contribute, including offering work experience, apprenticeships, employment, practical support for setting up homes, sharing skills through mentorship, and promoting well-being. Members voiced their support for the initiative and discussed how elected members could contribute and help share the pledge within local communities. Care-experienced young people also shared their personal experiences and challenges, highlighting the importance of such initiatives.

North Northamptonshire Housing Pathway for Care Leavers

Representatives from Northamptonshire Children's Trust provided an overview of the Housing Pathway for Care Leavers. The report detailed progress made, challenges faced, and planned improvements. Key achievements included rehousing 10 care leavers via Keyways under the Joint Housing Protocol (JHP) and improved collaboration between Housing Solutions and the Leaving Care Team. Challenges identified included delays in property bidding and the use of temporary accommodation. Planned improvements include a consultation on increasing priority for care leavers in the Housing Allocations Scheme (HAS), introducing autobid functionality, and developing a broader portfolio of suitable accommodation options. Members raised questions about housing procurement and the utilisation of the council's housing allocation policy.

Care Experienced Young Adults in Education, Employment and Training (EET)

The committee received a report detailing the Education, Employment, and Training (EET) status of care-experienced young adults in North Northamptonshire. The data indicated that 354 care leavers aged 17-24 were identified, with 158 not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET). The report highlighted a growing trend in the number of care leavers over the past two years. Various targeted interventions are in place, including proactive support from the virtual school, college partnerships, and the DWP. A NEET to EET Forum has been established, leading to referrals and positive outcomes for young people securing work, college places, or training. Partnership successes were noted with organisations like the NHS and Waitrose, alongside ringfenced apprenticeship schemes. Challenges include rising national NEET levels and barriers related to health, custody, and emotional well-being. The committee recommended advocating for the expansion of work experience for care leavers, strengthening partnerships with private organisations, and considering how scrutiny members could facilitate pilot projects. They also requested regular updates on NEET/EET performance and strategic developments.