The Children and Young People's Scrutiny Panel of Haringey Council was scheduled to discuss the implementation of the Haringey Autism Strategy, progress on tackling unhealthy weight in childhood, and updates on the SEND and Alternative Provision Strategy. The meeting agenda also included a verbal update from the Cabinet Member for Children, Schools & Families and a review of the panel's work programme.

Haringey Autism Strategy Implementation Update

The panel was scheduled to receive an update on the implementation of Haringey's 10-year, all-age strategy to improve outcomes, experience, and inclusion for autistic people, which was agreed in 2021 and runs until 2031. The report, available as the Autism Strategy - Scrutiny Feb26.pdf, was due to outline areas of improvement to date and future plans. The strategy has focused on three priority areas in three-year blocks, with the initial focus on diagnostic pathways, mental health and crisis services, and general care and support. The report detailed progress in improving diagnostic services, with initiatives to reduce waiting times and enhance pre- and post-diagnostic support, including parent/carer workshops and a new sleep pathway. It also covered improvements in mental health, complex, and crisis care services, with an embedded Learning Disability and Autism (LDA) Practitioner in assertive outreach teams and the development of a Home Treatment Team. Furthermore, the strategy has aimed to improve care and support through commissioned services from Markfield and Open Door, offering peer support, training, and advice for parents and carers. The report also highlighted efforts to improve accessibility for autistic children and young people within health services, and to enhance education, employment, and training opportunities, including a Supported Internship programme and a Pre-supported Internship Programme. The empowerment of autistic young people was to be discussed, referencing the Haringey Youth Participation Team's Elevated Youth panel and the Haringey Youth Council. Finally, the update was expected to cover improvements in data collection for autistic children and young people, with a new metrics template being implemented across North Central London (NCL) to inform commissioning decisions and highlight inequities.

Healthy Weight Strategy: Progress on Tackling Unhealthy Weight in Childhood

The panel was scheduled to review the progress of the Haringey Healthy Weight Strategy (2022-25), which aims to promote healthy weight and create a framework for addressing unhealthy weight through a whole systems / life course approach. The report, titled Children and Young Peoples Scrutiny Panel 26.02.26 - Healthy Weight Strategy.pdf, focuses on the Start Well and Healthy Place priorities and details current actions and planned next steps, including the refresh of the strategy for 2026-29.

Data from the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) for 2023/24 indicated that Haringey's results for reception and Year 6 pupils were broadly in line with national and London averages. The report presented ward-level data, highlighting that Noel Park had the greatest proportion of overweight and very overweight reception pupils, while St Ann's had the highest proportion of overweight and very overweight Year 6 pupils. The Health Related Behaviours Questionnaire (HRBQ) data for 2023/24, surveying primary and secondary school pupils, showed that Year 4 students were less likely to drink plain water daily than Year 6 students, and girls were more likely to eat vegetables and salads. Secondary school students reported lower consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables compared to primary school pupils.

The report outlined a whole-systems approach to tackling unhealthy weight, involving a multi-sector Healthy Weight Partnership and aligning with national strategies. Local policies influencing healthy weight were identified, including the Haringey Health and Wellbeing Strategy and the Local Plan. The panel was to be informed about various initiatives, such as the Healthy Schools Programme, the Child Weight Management Service, and the Healthier Catering Commitment. The Healthy Place aspect of the strategy included public health input into planning applications, the Haringey Advertising and Sponsorship Policy, and efforts to improve the food environment. The report also detailed progress in specific areas, including the Healthy Start Scheme, infant feeding support, the HENRY Programme for families, and the Xplorer programme for children. The panel was to be updated on the planned refresh of the Healthy Weight Strategy for 2026-29, which includes assessing the impact of current actions, strengthening partnerships, and addressing equity.

SEND and Alternative Provision Strategy 2026 - 2029: Update on Consultation Feedback

The panel was scheduled to receive a verbal update on the consultation feedback for the SEND and Alternative Provision Strategy for 2026-2029. This item was intended to provide information on the outcomes of public engagement regarding the future of support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and alternative provision.

Cabinet Member Questions: Cabinet Member for Children, Schools & Families

A verbal update was scheduled from the Cabinet Member for Children, Schools & Families. This item typically allows the panel to ask questions directly to the Cabinet Member on matters relating to their portfolio.

Work Programme Update

The panel was scheduled to review its work programme, which outlines the topics and projects the panel intends to address over a defined period. This would likely involve discussing any proposed amendments or additions to the current schedule of work. The CYP Work Planning 24_25 v3.pdf document was available for reference.