The Education and Young People Overview & Scrutiny Committee of Oxfordshire County Council met on Friday, 27 February 2026, to discuss early years provision and the terms of reference for a scrutiny review panel into Woodeaton Manor School. The committee agreed to recommendations regarding early years provision, including the development of a clear plan for the long-term sustainability of targeted SEND support and an updated strategic statement on resource bases within schools. They also agreed to a strengthened transition pathway for children moving from primary resource bases to secondary education.

Early Years Provision

The committee received a report on Early Years provision, focusing on the Best Start in Life plan, Early Years sufficiency, and improving the Good Level of Development (GLD) at age five. Councillor Sean Gaul, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, highlighted that while Oxfordshire performed above national averages overall, outcomes for children from deprived backgrounds remained significantly lower. The council has set more ambitious local objectives to address this inequality gap.

Key discussions included:

• Sensory Provision: The committee explored expanding sensory provision beyond formal educational environments, suggesting the use of Section 106 contributions for sensory gardens and community spaces. Officers welcomed this idea and confirmed ongoing work with planning colleagues.
• Rural Provision: The challenges of providing adequate Early Years services in rural areas were discussed. The council's approach includes supporting childminders, offering grants, and working with school-based nurseries. Efforts are also underway to repurpose existing spaces in rural schools.
• Good Level of Development (GLD) Targets: The realism of revised GLD targets, particularly for children eligible for free school meals (FSM), was debated. Officers explained that while overall GLD improvement tends to be slow, milestones would be included in the Best Start in Life plan. The local targets aim for stronger overall outcomes and a more meaningful reduction in the inequality gap.
• Incentivising Providers in Deprived Areas: The committee discussed how to encourage Early Years providers in deprived areas to improve outcomes for FSM children. This includes promoting childcare as a skilled profession and utilising increased Early Years funding.
• Section 106 Funding: Clarification was sought on how Section 106 funding for Early Years provision is secured, tracked, and spent. Officers explained their involvement in the Section 106 board and efforts to ensure funds are directed to areas of greatest need.
• Two-Year-Old Entitlement Take-Up: The recent decline in take-up of the two-year-old additional support entitlement was attributed to the introduction of the new working-parent entitlement. Work is ongoing to move eligible families to the correct combined funding route.

The committee agreed to recommendations that the council should set out a clear plan for the long-term sustainability and resourcing of targeted SEND support, provide an updated strategic statement on resource bases, and develop a strengthened transition pathway for children moving from primary resource bases to secondary education. Actions agreed included the Interim Deputy Director providing a graph on timeliness improvements and inviting committee members to observe work at the Enhanced Pathways.

Scrutiny Review Panel Terms of Reference for Woodeaton Manor School

The committee reviewed the terms of reference for a Scrutiny Review Panel to examine the circumstances and communications surrounding the direction for Woodeaton Manor School to become an academy. The panel will focus on learning lessons and improving practice, exploring how the council responded during the period of the mandatory academisation order. Meetings will be held in private, with a final report to be presented to the committee.

The committee agreed with the approach and schedule of meetings outlined in the report, with minor amendments to paragraphs 3 and 4 of the terms of reference. They also agreed to a six-member panel, with provisional membership allocated across political groups, pending confirmation of specific members.

Committee Forward Work Plan

The committee agreed to its forward work plan. It was noted that terms of reference for the Woodeaton working group were being developed and would be submitted at a future meeting. A future item on support for adoptive parents was also agreed. The committee was briefed on the upcoming SEND White Paper and its implications, which will require local area partnerships to create a transformation response plan.

Due to the significant workload arising from the SEND White Paper, the committee agreed to cancel its meeting scheduled for 27 March 2026. Instead, an informal meeting of committee members will be held in late April or early May to consider early proposals for the draft SEND Reform Plan.

Committee Action and Recommendation Tracker

The committee noted the progress of previous recommendations and actions.