The Croydon Children and Young People Scrutiny Sub-Committee met on 10 March 2026 to discuss the transformation of public health nursing services, education standards, and youth engagement services. Key decisions included noting the progress in the public health nursing service, acknowledging areas for improvement in education standards, and reviewing the new operating model for youth engagement services.

Public Health Nursing Transformation

The committee received an update on the 0-19 Public Health Nursing Service, highlighting significant improvements in performance, particularly in new birth visits and two-to-two-and-a-half-year reviews. The service has been transformed into three integrated locality teams, with a focus on early intervention and an enhanced offer for vulnerable families. Recruitment and retention strategies have led to a decrease in vacancy rates. While performance has improved, the committee discussed the challenges of meeting national targets, particularly for the two-to-two-and-a-half-year review, and agreed to monitor progress in three to six months.

Education Standards

The committee reviewed the education performance and outcomes for Croydon schools for the academic year 2024/25. While early years outcomes and Key Stage 2 results in reading, writing, and maths are above national averages, Key Stage 4 outcomes in English and Maths remain a concern, performing below London and national averages. Persistent absence rates have increased but remain below the national average, while permanent exclusions have also risen. The committee discussed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on learning, the increase in children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), and the disproportionate number of permanent exclusions among Black African and Caribbean pupils. Actions being taken include targeted improvement work, strengthened partnerships, and system-wide training on trauma-informed practices and anti-racism. The committee also noted the rise in Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) young people, attributing it to factors such as limited council capacity, the transient nature of the borough, and a lack of appropriate post-16 courses.

Youth Engagement Services Update

The committee reviewed the changes to the operating model for Youth Engagement Services following the disbandment of the Youth Engagement Team (YET) in September 2025. Services have continued and developed, with Million Hours and Starz & Sisterz programmes running weekly at the Samuel Coleridge Taylor Family Hub. Partnership working with the Croydon Youth Assembly and the voluntary and community sector has been strengthened, with over £4 million invested in these organisations to support early help, mental health, and youth engagement. Initiatives to address violence against women and girls and serious youth violence were also highlighted. The committee was assured that universal and targeted provision had increased, leading to broader reach and better outcomes for young people.

Early Help, Children's Social Care and Education Dashboard

The committee received the Early Help, Children's Social Care and Education Dashboard for December 2025. While overall performance is largely meeting targets, some indicators remain 'Red', particularly those related to assessment times, visit times for Section 17s, and high caseloads within Children's Social Care. The Director of Children's Social Care acknowledged the high caseloads, stating that the council is working to reduce demand and improve efficiency. Ofsted's recent positive inspection report noted the good quality of assessments but highlighted the issue of high caseloads. The committee was reassured that recruitment was not a problem and that the council was focusing on managing risk and reducing unnecessary referrals. The launch of Precious House, Croydon's first children's home, was also noted as positive news.

Work Programme

The committee reviewed the draft work programme for 2025-26 and considered items for the 2026-27 programme. It was agreed to add the review of the Metropolitan Police's investigation into child sexual exploitation cases, should any Croydon children be involved, and to continue monitoring CYPE Transformation and the work of the Strategic Transformation Partner. The committee also expressed a desire to visit a Family Hub and to better incorporate the voice of parents and carers.

What Difference has this Meeting made to Croydon's Children

Councillor Maria Gatland was recognised for her significant contributions to children's services in Croydon over more than 20 years, particularly her commitment to care leavers and corporate parenting. The committee acknowledged the positive impact of her work on the lives of children in Croydon.