The Children & Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Warwickshire Council met on Tuesday 24 February 2026. The meeting discussed the proposed closure of Great Alne Primary School, the development of a child poverty reduction strategy, and the draft Health and Wellbeing Strategy. Decisions were made regarding the approach to developing the child poverty strategy and comments were made on the proposed closure of Great Alne Primary School.

Proposed Closure of Great Alne Primary School

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the proposed closure of Great Alne Primary School. Councillors heard that the school currently has 11 pupils on roll against a capacity of 112, with 89% of places unfilled. This situation has been exacerbated by a significant drop in pupil numbers since the COVID-19 pandemic and an inadequate Ofsted judgment in January 2023. Despite improvements in the school's Ofsted rating to requires improvement, other schools in the planning area have better judgments.

Concerns were raised about the communication surrounding the potential closure, with some residents feeling that messaging had been poor and expectations not managed effectively. Councillors also highlighted the importance of village schools to their communities and the potential impact of closure on families, particularly those without transport, as the nearest alternative schools are a minimum of four miles away.

The financial viability of the school was a key concern, with a projected deficit that is expected to continue to rise. While the council has provided significant financial support and school improvement services, there has been no evidence of increased demand for places. The council is liable to repay the school's accumulated deficit should it close.

The committee's role was to consider and comment on the proposals to be presented to the Cabinet on 16 April. While the committee does not make the final decision, it was suggested that the Cabinet be asked to delay the decision until the local plan, which may include significant housing developments, has been seen. This was to assess potential future sufficiency needs.

Development of the Warwickshire Child Poverty Reduction Strategy

The committee discussed the initial stages of developing a child poverty reduction strategy for Warwickshire, following a full council motion. Evidence presented showed an increase in child poverty in Warwickshire, with the proportion of children living in households with income below 60% of the national median after housing costs rising from 12.5% in 2017 to 15.3% in 2024. Eligibility for free school meals has also increased from 13% to 21.9% in 2025.

The proposed strategy aims to coordinate existing efforts, reduce duplication, and strengthen accountability. A key element will be the establishment of a cross-party child poverty commission to provide forums for new evidence and shape priorities. The approach will involve engaging with lived experiences from various networks, including a voice forum, and ensuring representation from across the county to address deprivation in both the north and south of Warwickshire. The commission is intended to be time-limited, focusing on developing an action plan.

Draft Warwickshire Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2026-31

The committee received an update on the draft Health and Wellbeing Strategy for 2026-31. The strategy, developed collaboratively with partners including the NHS and local authorities, is built on six key principles: prioritising prevention, targeting support where outcomes are poorest, tackling social and economic factors, strengthening wider determinants of health, tailoring action to local needs, and embedding lived experience.

The strategy identifies five key enablers: data sharing, effective communication, shared estates, strong partnerships, and strategic connections. It outlines three county-wide priorities: creating conditions to support mental health and well-being, prioritising children and young people, tackling the factors that cause poverty and lead to inequalities in health and well-being, and supporting people to move well and eat well. Detailed delivery plans for each of the three place partnerships (Rugby, South Warwickshire, and North Warwickshire) are being developed. Public engagement on the strategy indicated a high level of agreement with the proposed priorities.

Children and Young People's Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing Service Commissioning

An update was provided on the commissioning of children and young people's mental health and emotional wellbeing services. The current RISE service is commissioned until 31 June, and a new model is being developed based on the Thrive approach. This model will involve three services:

• Service One: Commissioned by Warwickshire County Council, focusing on getting help and advice, with universal provision for ages 0-18 and up to 25 for those with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
• Service Two: A work in progress, also led by Warwickshire County Council, aiming to integrate specialist clinical support. Tendering is expected over the summer, with the service in place from 1 April 2027.
• Service Three: Commissioned by the Integrated Care Board (ICB) with input from Warwickshire County Council, focusing on specialist and clinical services.

The intention is to create seamless pathways between these services to avoid re-referrals and ensure consistent support for children and young people.

Quarter 3 Integrated Performance Report

The committee reviewed the Quarter 3 Integrated Performance Report for the Children and Families Directorate. Overall, the directorate's objectives were broadly positive, with approximately two-thirds of delivery plan objectives on track and around 80% of key performance measures delivering as expected.

Highlights included children's homes operating at 80% occupancy and strong performance in early years education entitlements. There was also positive movement in SEND inclusion, with more young people with EHCPs educated in mainstream schools.

Areas of pressure included the ongoing financial challenges, rising costs of school transport, and demand across mainstream SEND services. While the new EHCP process is performing better, timescales remain below target. CAMHS and the 18-week target continue to be monitored, as do pressures in foster care and placement. The highest strategic risk remains the higher needs block, where demand outstrips available resources.

Other Matters

• Corporate Parenting Panel: A discussion took place regarding the inability to send substitutes to the Corporate Parenting Panel due to DBS check requirements, with a commitment to investigate potential solutions.
• SEND Training: The committee noted that all councillors are required to undertake SEND training annually, with the focus this year being on understanding the new system.
• Townsend Academy Delay: The delay in the Townsend Academy project was noted, and the council's alternative provision strategy, including the establishment of local hubs, was outlined.
• Children and Family Centres: A report on the transition plans for children and family centres is expected in July.
• HR and Sickness Data: The committee requested data on sickness absence, particularly related to mental health, and information on staff vacancies and retirements. The council is focusing on supporting staff wellbeing and managing workloads.
• Work Programme: The committee noted the work programme for February 2026.
• Raising School Strike: A concern was raised about reported mismanagement of funds at the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership, leading to a teachers' strike. The committee agreed to invite the trust to a future meeting to discuss their plans and provide reassurance.
• SEND Reforms: A member briefing on SEND reforms is to be circulated.

The next meeting of the committee is scheduled for 21 April.