The Children and Young People Select Committee was scheduled to discuss strategies for tackling race inequality in schools, review data on children's placements and foster care, and consider the end-of-administration work programme. The meeting agenda also included updates on corporate parenting and economic opportunities for young people.

Tackling Race Inequality in Schools

The committee was scheduled to review findings and discuss future strategies for tackling race inequality in Lewisham schools. This discussion was informed by the Tackling Race Inequality in Education (TRIIE) pledge, which has been in place since 2021 and involves all Lewisham schools and the local college. The report highlighted that while overall attendance has improved for all ethnic groups, White and Black Caribbean pupils continue to experience higher rates of persistent absence. The report also noted that multiple ethnic minority groups now have lower exclusion and suspension rates than national averages, a success attributed to the borough's anti-racist work. Specific attention was to be given to improving outcomes for Black Caribbean and Mixed White & Black Caribbean pupils, particularly in English and maths at Key Stage 4. Recommendations included standardising data collection to bridge inequalities between ethnic groups, embedding career guidance within schools, and providing incentives for local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to recruit young people.

Data Monitoring: Strengthening Lewisham's Kinship and Foster Carer Offer

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to examining data and analysis related to children's placements, with a particular focus on the challenges of recruiting and retaining foster carers. The report highlighted a national shortage of foster carers and Lewisham's reliance on external and residential placements, which are significantly more expensive than in-house fostering. The data indicated that residential care drives a substantial portion of weekly spend, supporting a smaller percentage of children compared to other placement types. The report also detailed the high costs associated with external fostering and semi-independent accommodation, noting that external fostering is typically two to three times more expensive than in-house provision. The committee was asked to endorse the development of a whole-Council foster carer offer, with each directorate contributing practical benefits as part of Lewisham's corporate parenting responsibility. A cross-Council working group was proposed to develop recommendations for improving recruitment and retention.

End of Administration Work Programme Report

The committee was scheduled to review the completed work programmes for the 2022-26 administration and identify priority topics for the incoming committee. This included a discussion of the committee's terms of reference and a flowchart to help focus on areas where scrutiny can make the most difference. The report outlined the committee's responsibilities, including scrutinising decisions and performance related to children's social care and education, as well as policy development and community representation.

Responses to Referrals to Mayor and Cabinet

This item indicated that there were no responses to referrals made to the Mayor and Cabinet scheduled for discussion.

Data Monitoring: Improving Economic Opportunities and Outcomes for Young People

The committee was set to review a report detailing recent performance and factors affecting young people's economic outcomes in Lewisham. This included an examination of ethnic disparities in employment, with Black and minority ethnic young people aged 18 to 24 being twice as likely to be unemployed compared to their white counterparts. The report also addressed apprenticeships and vocational pathways, identifying mental ill health and lack of confidence as significant barriers to employment. The discussion was also to cover opportunities arising from Section 106 agreements and capital investment. Recommendations included standardising data collection for greater granularity, embedding career guidance within schools, and creating a mentorship scheme for young entrepreneurs.

Corporate Parenting Strategy

The committee was scheduled to discuss the Corporate Parenting Strategy, which outlines how the council intends to support children in care and care leavers over the next three years. The strategy is based on national corporate parenting principles and locally identified key strands, with a key objective to reduce the number of looked-after children. The report highlighted the importance of involving young people in the strategy's development and decision-making processes, with engagement through the Children in Care Council and tailored methods for different age groups. The strategy also addressed workforce recruitment and retention, foster care, placements, and family networks, as well as supporting children through change and transitions. The committee was recommended to note the report and specific recommendations, including a briefing for all members on being a corporate parent and formalising the reporting on support for carers.