The Health and Wellbeing Board met on Thursday 22 January 2026 to discuss key issues affecting residents' health and wellbeing. Significant discussions took place regarding the provision of services for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Alternative Provision (AP), alongside an update on the Neighbourhood Health initiative aimed at integrating local health and care services. The Board also noted the Better Care Fund Plan for 2025-26 and reviewed the forward work programme.

Children and Young People: Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Alternative Provision (AP)

Kim Miller, Director of SEND and Inclusion for Barnet, presented a detailed report on the current state of SEND and Alternative Provision in the borough. Barnet was highlighted as a nationally recognised leader in mainstream inclusion, with strong early identification pathways and good outcomes for children with SEND. However, the report acknowledged significant national and local pressures, including rising complexity of need, increasing demand for Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), workforce shortages, and a critical shortage of special school places.

The Board was informed about the upcoming SEND White Paper, expected in early 2026, which is anticipated to focus on further strengthening mainstream inclusion. Barnet is also preparing for a joint Ofsted and Care Quality Commission (CQC) local area SEND inspection, expected between January 2026 and Spring 2027. This inspection will have a broader scope than previous ones, focusing on how well education, health, and social care services work together to improve the experiences and outcomes for children and young people with SEND.

Key challenges discussed included rising EHCP numbers, increasing statutory workloads, workforce and therapy shortages, and the high cost of independent placements when local special school places are unavailable. The report highlighted that Barnet's High Needs Block funding is used efficiently, but the council continues to advocate for fair funding to match the rapid growth in EHCPs.

The Board noted the progress of the Change Partnership Programme, including initiatives like Early Language Support for Every Child (ELSEC), which has shown success in improving staff confidence and children's outcomes. The report also detailed refreshed governance arrangements for SEND and AP, with the establishment of an Executive Partnership Board and an Operational Group to ensure collaborative and timely decision-making.

The Board was asked to note the report update for the academic year 2024-25, the financial position of the High Needs Block, and the associated system pressures. They were also asked to support the continued partnership focus on improving access to therapies and strengthening joint commissioning and governance, note the preparation for the SEND inspection, and acknowledge the progress of the Change Partnership Programme.

Neighbourhood Health in Barnet

Anjali Gibbs from the GP Federation and Michael Whitworth, alongside Shan Haydar from Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust, presented an update on the Neighbourhood Health initiative in Barnet. This initiative aims to create a more integrated, neighbourhood-based approach to health and care, shifting focus towards proactive, community-focused support that addresses the broader determinants of health.

The presentation outlined the strategic context and national policy direction, emphasising a move towards preventative, proactive, and personalised care to ensure a more sustainable public sector. Barnet's approach is aligned with the NHS 10-Year Plan and the North Central London (NCL) vision, focusing on four pillars: proactive case finding, early intervention, integrated neighbourhood teams, and proactive provider action.

Key developments in Barnet include the expansion from three to five neighbourhood localities, strengthened governance through a Neighbourhood Development Subgroup, and the establishment of integrator arrangements led by CLCH and the Barnet GP Federation. Pooled borough resources are being used to fund Neighbourhood Manager posts, and PCN Champions are working on delivery plans. A Population Health Working Group has been established to align outcomes with need and risk, and a Barnet Neighbourhood Outcome Framework and Dashboard are being developed.

The integrator arrangements are designed to coordinate the delivery of the integrated neighbourhood health and care model, aligning partners, services, and resources. The plan for the coming year includes developing neighbourhood leadership teams, improving data-driven decision-making, and designing new care models for priority cohorts such as high-intensity service users, people with long-term conditions, and children with complex needs.

The Board was asked to note the paper and the update on neighbourhood health in Barnet.

Better Care Fund Plan 2025-2026

Jess Baines-Holmes, Director of Commissioning, presented the Better Care Fund (BCF) Plan for 2025-26. The BCF aims to support the integration of health and social care to improve person-centred care, sustainability, and outcomes for residents and carers.

The plan for 2025-26 focuses on two main objectives: shifting from sickness to prevention, and supporting people to live independently and move from hospital to home. Key priorities include proactive and joined-up support for those with complex needs, the use of home adaptations and technology, and support for unpaid carers. The plan also aims to prevent avoidable hospital admissions, facilitate timely discharges, and reduce the need for long-term residential care.

Barnet's BCF plan has a total pooled budget of £52,560,193 for 2025/26. The plan was developed jointly by council and ICB staff, with input from a wide range of partners, and has been approved by NHS England.

The Board was asked to note the Barnet BCF Plan 2025-26 and to note that it has been approved by NHS England.

Forward Work Programme

The Board reviewed its forward work programme, noting upcoming deep dives on physical activity, the Barnet Food Plan, and a review of the Health and Wellbeing Board's future function. An update on the Neighbourhood Plan from the integrator was proposed for the next meeting.

RESOLVED that the Board notes the Forward Work Programme.

The meeting concluded with the Chair thanking everyone for their contributions.