The People Committee met on Thursday 26 February 2026 to discuss the outcomes of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) assessment for the Short Term Assessment and Reablement Team (START), the progress of Sutton's Family Hubs and Best Start in Life Offer, and the development of the Day Services Commissioning Strategy. The committee noted the positive CQC rating for START, agreed to explore proposals for a new SEND Family Hub, and discussed priorities for the Day Services Commissioning Strategy.

Short Term Assessment and Reablement Team (START) CQC Assessment Outcome

The committee received a report detailing the outcome of the recent Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection of the Short Term Assessment and Reablement Team (START). The service, which provides short-term personal care and therapy to individuals in their own homes following hospital discharge or from the community, achieved an overall rating of good, with good ratings across all assessment areas: safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well-led. This rating was highlighted as particularly strong given that many similar services nationally are run by private sector organisations with a narrower remit.

Performance data presented showed that 87% of people receiving START services reported their personal outcomes were fully met, and 71% no longer required ongoing support after their reablement period. For older people, 86% remained at home 91 days after hospital discharge. The CQC inspection, which took place between 4 and 13 November 2025, identified significant areas of strength, including robust safeguarding measures, a commitment to equality and diversity, high-quality staff training and support, and a person-centred approach. The report noted that areas for improvement, such as staff continuity and signposting, had already been addressed by the service. The committee noted the outcome of the CQC assessment.

Sutton's Family Hubs and Best Start in Life Offer

An update was provided on Sutton's commitment to ensuring all children achieve the Best Start in Life, focusing on improving the number of five-year-olds reaching a good level of development. The council is expanding its support for young families through its network of four Family Hubs, which offer a range of services including play sessions, early education, health visitor access, and parenting support. Since remodelling in 2023, engagement from families in the most deprived areas has increased by 48%.

The government's Best Start in Life agenda sets a national target for 75% of children to achieve a Good Level of Development (GLD) by 2028, with Sutton aiming for 78.2%. To achieve this, plans include targeted outreach to families most at risk, extending parenting support, and commissioning new initiatives for home learning environments, focusing on play, communication, and early maths skills. Improved information sharing across partnerships and a renewed focus on an integrated front door for early help services are also key components. The committee agreed to explore proposals for a new SEND Family Hub in Central Sutton at 3 Robin Hood Lane.

Update - Day Services Commissioning Strategy

The committee received an update on the development of the Day Services Commissioning Strategy. Day services offer a range of support for individuals, from lunch clubs to more formal care settings. The strategy aims to outline how the council will work with the market, providers, and residents to shape these services, fulfilling its duties under the Care Act 2014.

Engagement with providers and residents has highlighted several key areas: a need for increased market capacity for older adults with complex physical and dementia needs, better geographic spread of services, and increased capacity for younger adults with complex needs, particularly those with autism. There is also a demand for increased availability of services in evenings and weekends. The strategy will focus on market shaping, developing co-produced quality standards, and updating the council's contract. The committee noted the update and agreed the draft priority areas identified for the engagement strategy development to date.