The Children, Adults, Health and Wellbeing Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel met on Monday 9th March 2026 to discuss a range of important issues affecting local residents. Key topics included the proposed closure of the Connecting Families team, updates on SEND provision and the education attainment gap, and the future of the BSW Long Covid service. The panel reviewed and noted its workplan, with several items to be brought forward for future discussion.

The Future of the Connecting Families Team

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the proposed deletion of the Connecting Families team, a service described by a volunteer as award-winning and phenomenally successful. Mark Baldwin, a volunteer with the team for ten years, expressed his shock and dismay at the decision, stating that the government's policy changes did not necessitate this action. He argued that the team's family-centred and collaborative approach had transformed the lives of families facing mental ill health, unemployment, and poverty. Mr. Baldwin criticised the move as stupid and wasteful, believing it prioritised intervention over prevention. He also raised concerns that elected representatives were not informed of these changes, deeming it strange and somewhat devious.

Councillor Paul May, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, acknowledged the value of the Connecting Families team and stated that the current process was a consultation phase. He assured the panel that decisions would be made following proper consultation and that a briefing would be provided to elected members. He clarified that the changes were part of the government's Families First reforms, aiming to use the team's skills more effectively for increased early intervention. Jean Kelly, Director of Children's Services and Education, explained that the Families First reforms are a mandatory programme requiring the development of multidisciplinary family help teams, integrating early help through to child protection. She detailed that this would involve bringing Connecting Families colleagues into these new teams to ensure a continuum of care. The reforms also include developing family group decision-making and multi-agency child protection teams, driven by national recommendations following high-profile child deaths.

Despite these explanations, Councillor Joanna Wright expressed disappointment with the process, highlighting concerns about staff morale and the potential for the service to become more challenged. She emphasised the council's statutory duty as corporate parents to ensure the best care for every child. Darryl Freeman, Executive Director for People Services, acknowledged the concerns and the need for clear communication, stating that while some staff were unhappy, others remained motivated. He also noted that discussions with Unison and ACAS had been constructive and confidential.

Education Attainment Gap and SEND Provision

The panel received an update on the education attainment gap in Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES). Chris Wilford, Director of Education & Safeguarding, reported that pupils in B&NES generally attained higher grades than regional and national figures, with particular strengths in early years and A-Level results. However, he highlighted that attainment for Black and Other ethnic groups remained below national levels, and the attainment gap for Free School Meal (FSM) eligible children, while showing a slight improvement, remained significant. Amy McCullough, Consultant in Public Health, detailed the council's two-year action plan to address the attainment gap, focusing on wider determinants outside of education, such as poverty, social and cultural capital, and access to services. This plan involves securing financial investment, working with system partners like Multi-Academy Trusts and the University of Bath, and aligning with other key programmes such as Best Start in Life.

Laura Donnelly, Head of SEND, provided an update on Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). She reported a reduction in refusal to assess appeals and an increase in the quality of EHCPs, with average quality assurance scores rising. However, challenges remain regarding the timeliness of needs assessments and annual reviews, although progress is being made. The council is aiming for 60% of EHCPs to be issued within 20 weeks by September 2026. Rachel Hale, Chair of the B&NES Parent Carer Forum, emphasised the importance of quality over speed in EHCPs and the need for clear communication with families.

BSW Integrated Care Board (ICB) Update

Lucy Baker, BANES Place Director for the BSW ICB, provided an update on several key areas. She informed the panel about a significant restructure within the ICB and a forthcoming 45-day staff consultation. A new ten-bed specialist learning disability and autism inpatient unit, The Kingfisher, in Bristol has been delayed due to flooding, though its outreach service remains operational. Updates were also provided on the Big Brush Club supervised toothbrushing scheme, with a commitment to review its promotion in dental practices. Regarding termination of pregnancy data, Ms. Baker confirmed that B&NES figures were slightly below the national average, and that access to services was generally good. She also noted that the Blood Pressure Roadshows plan to expand to rural areas, and that a review of mobile dental clinics would consider areas like North East Somerset.

The panel discussed the future of the BSW Long Covid service, noting declining demand and financial pressures. While no decisions were made, the panel requested further updates as the engagement process continues, indicating a desire for continued scrutiny.

Placement Sufficiency

Phoebe Holland, Interim Assistant Director for Children's Services, presented an update on placement sufficiency. She highlighted that there were 228 children in care, with 38% in-house foster care, 21% with kinship carers, and 21% in residential care. A key concern is that three children are in residential care due to a lack of suitable foster placements. A Sufficiency Programme Board has been established to address four workstreams: fostering (recruitment and retention), residential children's homes, provision for disabled children, and 16+ support and care leavers accommodation. The report noted that while B&NES provides good quality care, the overall cohort of children in care is growing.

Panel Workplan

The panel reviewed and noted its workplan, with several items to be brought forward for future discussion, including updates on Children's Services Sufficiency, the Long Covid service, the Connecting Families team, and performance of Multi-Academy Trusts.

The meeting was confirmed as held.