The Thriving Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel met on Monday 9th March 2026 to discuss several key issues affecting children and young people in Enfield. The panel received updates on pupil place planning, care placement sufficiency, and the provision for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). They also noted the completion of their work programme for the year.

Pupil Places Planning Update

The panel received an update on the ongoing challenges of falling pupil numbers in both primary and secondary schools across Enfield. Ian Hewison, Head of Admissions, Attendance & Schools Traded Services, presented the report, highlighting the continued use of soft caps on admissions and proposed reductions to Published Admission Numbers (PANs) for schools. A refreshed Pupil Place Planning Strategy is due to be released in the summer. While secondary school offers for September 2026 were slightly higher than the previous year, with several schools operating at or near capacity, a small number of schools still have significant vacancies.

Members raised concerns about two secondary schools with low projected intakes, questioning whether Ofsted judgements and historical reputation were influencing parental preference in a market with local surplus capacity. Officers acknowledged that parental choice patterns are driven by competition and available places, and that market dynamics can allow some schools to recover quickly through improved reputation or PAN adjustments.

Clarification was sought regarding complaints from families allocated schools that were not among their top preferences and were at greater travel distances. Officers explained that all six preferences are considered equally during the allocation process, and many families submit aspirational preferences that exceed realistic distance thresholds, despite council guidance and information events.

The panel requested an update following the secondary school offer day on 2nd March and ahead of the primary offer day on 16th April. Officers confirmed that a written update would be provided summarising the 2026 secondary outcomes, with a further note to follow after primary offers, reflecting any material changes.

A query was raised about sibling priority at secondary transition, and it was advised that sibling rules are tightly defined at this stage. Officers agreed to review any specific cases raised.

The panel noted the report and the verbal updates provided.

Care Placement Sufficiency and Update on Children's Home Development

Ram Ramasubramanian, Head of Children's Placements, presented an update on the pressures faced in securing sufficient care placements, both in fostering and residential settings, locally and nationally. The report highlighted rising external costs and outlined Enfield's mitigation strategies. These include the successful opening of two new three-bed children's homes within the borough, a planned Department for Education (DfE)-part-funded home for children with complex needs, a block-booked provision in East London, and ongoing regional collaboration to enhance market leverage.

Members noted the potential financial benefits of in-house provision and inquired whether the two new homes would generate net revenue savings compared to external placements. Officers indicated that these homes are expected to yield approximately £2,000 per child per week in savings, excluding property costs, depending on occupancy and case mix. A detailed savings estimate can be provided.

Concerns were raised regarding the disparity between provider profits and the pay rates for care staff, and its impact on recruitment and retention. Officers explained that workforce pay, conditions, and insurance costs are sector-wide challenges. The council is actively involved in regional care cooperative and alliance activities aimed at strengthening commissioning and improving value for money, acknowledging the complexity of the market and legislative landscape.

Regarding the use of unregulated or unregistered placements on a short-term basis, officers clarified that this is very rare. There were no such instances this year and only one in the previous year. When such placements are necessary for a few days, the carers are CQC-registered, and oversight is intensive, involving the placements team and increased social work visits, with a commitment to transitioning the child to a regulated placement as soon as possible.

The panel noted the report and the verbal update.

SEND Demand on Provision and Performance

Peter Nathan, Director of Education, presented the report on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision. The update covered plans for special school capacity, the expansion of inclusion bases within mainstream schools, the financial position of the Dedicated Schools Grant (High Needs), and engagement with the DfE on deficit management plans. It also detailed performance metrics related to the timeliness of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and annual reviews, and the role of mediation in resolving disputes and reducing escalations to tribunals.

Members sought clarification on how any residual Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) High Needs deficit would be handled locally, following government support. Officers explained that national arrangements are still evolving, and a residual amount may remain on the council's books, with further clarity expected from the DfE and the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA).

Questions were raised about tribunal volumes, the effectiveness of mediation, and the pressures arising from high-cost placements. Officers stated that mediation is prioritised with families to achieve timely, child-centred solutions. They also noted that tribunal outcomes can mandate provision that is difficult to source nationally, and that officers are continuously working to challenge costs and identify suitable local options.

The panel inquired about how site capacity for additional specialist places would be managed in light of falling overall school rolls. Officers confirmed that they are assessing site options and engaging with schools, including academies, to expand provision in appropriate locations, aligned with available capital and identified needs.

The panel noted the report and the verbal updates.

Work Programme 2025/26

The panel noted the completion of the Thriving Children & Young People Scrutiny Panel Work Programme for 2025/26.

Dates of Future Meetings

The panel noted that the dates for future meetings would be confirmed following the Annual Council meeting on Wednesday 27th May 2026.

Exclusion of Press & Public

The panel resolved to exclude the press and public from the meeting during the consideration of the item listed on Part 2 of the agenda, as it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information. The Chair noted that no press or public were in attendance.

North Central London Child Death Overview Panel Annual Report 2024/25

Dudu Sher-Arami introduced the confidential North Central London Child Death Overview Panel Annual Report 2024/25. The report outlined the function of the panel and provided an overview of key trends in mortality among residents under the age of 18 years. Further details and data were discussed, and all discussions regarding the report's findings and recommendations took place under Part 2 of the meeting. The panel agreed to note the report.

The meeting concluded at 8:15 pm.