The Health and Wellbeing Board met on Thursday 22 January 2026 to discuss key issues affecting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the development of neighbourhood health services, and the Better Care Fund. Decisions were made to note updates on SEND services, approve the Better Care Fund plan, and note the progress of neighbourhood health initiatives.

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

The Board received a comprehensive update on SEND and Alternative Provision (AP) in Barnet, highlighting the borough's strong performance in mainstream inclusion and early identification pathways. Despite national pressures of rising complexity and demand, Barnet's outcomes for SEND children remain strong, with particular success in key stage attainment. However, challenges persist, including a shortage of special school places, rising costs of independent placements, and workforce and therapy shortages.

The report detailed Barnet's preparation for the upcoming Ofsted and Care Quality Commission (CQC) local area SEND inspection, which will focus on the effectiveness of the partnership between education, health, and social care in improving experiences and outcomes for children and young people with SEND. The Board was informed of the rising complexity and demand for SEND services, with a significant increase in Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and requests for assessments.

A key concern raised was the sufficiency of special school places, with plans underway to rebuild Oakleigh and Mapledown schools. The report also highlighted system pressures, particularly regarding access to therapies, with long waiting times and a shortfall in provision. To address this, Barnet is developing an in-house therapy service to support tribunals and schools.

The Board noted the implementation of a three-tier alternative provision model and a new Section 19 policy to support children unable to attend school. Discussions also covered the notional SEN budget and the Early Years SEN Inclusion Fund (SENIF), with proposals for reforms to ensure financial sustainability and equitable support. The new governance structure, including the SEND and AP Executive Partnership Board and Operational Group, was presented as a means to improve collaborative decision-making and strategic oversight.

The Early Language Support for Every Child (ELSEC) programme was highlighted as a successful initiative, demonstrating significant improvements in staff confidence and children's language outcomes. The Partnership for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS) programme was also mentioned as a key initiative.

The Board was asked to note the report update, the financial position of the High Needs Block, support for continued partnership focus on therapies and joint commissioning, preparation for the SEND inspection, and updates on the Change Partnership Programme.

Neighbourhood Health in Barnet

The Board received an update on the development of a neighbourhood-based approach to health and care in Barnet, aligning with national NHS ambitions to shift from reactive to proactive, community-focused support. This initiative brings together NHS teams, Barnet Council, voluntary organisations, and residents to better understand local needs and provide coordinated help closer to home. Barnet has established strong foundations for this work, including existing partnerships, shared data tools, and early neighbourhood initiatives like the Community Ageing Well Service.

The plan involves expanding from three to five neighbourhood localities, strengthening governance, and defining priority population cohorts. Integrator arrangements are in place, with dedicated senior leaders coordinating delivery. The focus for the coming year includes developing neighbourhood leadership teams, improving data-driven decision-making, and designing new care models for specific groups such as high-intensity service users and children with complex needs. Work is also progressing on estates, digital infrastructure, and workforce development. The overarching aim is to scale a neighbourhood model that strengthens community resilience, reduces pressure on hospitals, and improves health outcomes by aligning services with local needs.

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

Better Care Fund Plan 2025-2026

The Board was presented with the Barnet Better Care Fund (BCF) Plan for 2025-2026. The BCF aims to support the integration of health and social care to promote person-centred care, sustainability, and better outcomes for individuals and carers. The plan for 2025-2026 builds on the NHS Long Term Plan, focusing on shifting from sickness to prevention and supporting people to live independently at home.

Key objectives include providing timely, proactive, and joined-up support for people with complex health and care needs, promoting the use of home adaptations and technology, and supporting unpaid carers. The plan also aims to prevent avoidable hospital admissions and facilitate timely and effective discharge from hospital. Barnet's BCF plan has a total pooled budget of £52,560,193 for 2025/26, covering schemes for place-based care, managing transfers of care, prevention, and supporting discharge.

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 noted the Forward Work Programme, with upcoming deep dives planned on physical activity and the Fit and Active Barnet framework for the March meeting. Other items for the March meeting include a biannual performance report on the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy and an update on the Barnet Food Plan. The Board also discussed the review of its own operational structure and function to ensure it remains fit for purpose and effectively addresses changing priorities.

Any Other Business

Sarah Campbell from Healthwatch Barnet mentioned an upcoming event in March focused on resident and patient involvement.

The Board also discussed the importance of ensuring representation from the mental health trust at future meetings, acknowledging that this has been a challenge in the past.

The meeting concluded with the Chair thanking attendees and reminding members of the need to ensure the mental health trust is represented at future meetings.