The Family and Children's Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Northumberland Council was scheduled to discuss reports on the education of post-16 residents, cared-for children, and care leavers, as well as progress on the installation of sprinkler systems in schools. The committee was also due to review its work programme and the Cabinet's forward plan.

Northumberland Skills Self-Assessment Report 2024-25

The committee was scheduled to receive the Northumberland Skills Annual Self-Assessment Report for 2024-25. This report focuses on the education of post-16 residents in Northumberland and aims to inform members about the experiences of cared-for children and care leavers during the academic year. The report includes an evaluation of achievement rates, participation, and performance against the Ofsted Education Inspection Framework (EIF) for Department for Education (DfE) funded provision. It covers areas such as the quality of education, behaviours and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, education programmes for young people, adult learning programmes, apprenticeships, learners with high needs, and safeguarding. The report highlights that Northumberland Skills has a Good current grade for adult learning programmes and apprenticeships, and an Outstanding current grade for provision for learners with high needs and for safeguarding.

Virtual School Headteacher Annual Report 2024-25

This report was scheduled to present the Virtual School Headteacher's Annual Report for 2024-25, detailing the educational achievements and experiences of Northumberland's cared-for children and care leavers. The report indicates that educational achievement for these children improves the longer they remain in care and is better when their school placement is stable. It also highlights a correlation between the quality of a child's Personal Education Plan (PEP) and their academic progress. The report details the use of Pupil Premium Plus funding, the impact of relational practice in schools, and specific initiatives such as support for children in residential homes and interventions to accelerate progress. The Virtual School aims to ensure that all cared-for children have clear academic or vocational pathways upon leaving school.

Sprinklers in Schools

The committee was to be advised on the progress of installing sprinkler systems in schools across Northumberland. The report notes that while sprinklers are mandatory in Scotland and Wales for new and refurbished schools, England relies on guidance from the Department for Education (DfE) through Building Bulletin 100 (BB100). This guidance recommends sprinklers for new special schools and new school buildings over 11 metres in height, but exceptions are permitted. Since 2007, all new build schools in Northumberland have included sprinklers, a higher rate than the national average. However, more recent DfE projects, such as those for Ringway Primary School and Cramlington Learning Village, will not include sprinkler systems as they do not meet the current criteria. The report suggests exploring the development of a formal planning policy to mandate sprinklers in all new school buildings.

Reports of the Scrutiny Officer

The committee was scheduled to review the Forward Plan of Cabinet decisions and the work programme and monitoring report for the Family and Children's Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee for 2025/26. This includes noting decisions taken by Cabinet since the previous meeting and any proposed changes to the Forward Plan. Members were invited to suggest items for inclusion in future meetings. The work programme outlines the committee's terms of reference and the reports scheduled for discussion throughout the year.