The Barnet Children's Partnership Board meeting scheduled for 22 April 2026 was set to cover a range of important topics concerning children and young people in the borough. Key discussions were anticipated around the economic development framework, educational standards, and updates on services for children in care and care leavers.

Economic Development Framework

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Economic Development Framework 2025-2030 024775 - Economic Development Framework 2025-30 FINAL. This strategic plan aims to foster an inclusive economy in Barnet by translating investment into local opportunities for training, employment, and community projects. The framework, developed over 18 months with input from residents, businesses, and partners, outlines a vision for Barnet to be a destination for investment and growing businesses, with an economy that benefits everyone. It is structured around six key themes: securing investment, supporting priority sectors, building a skilled workforce, creating thriving places, boosting the green economy, and ensuring growth for everyone. The report recommended that the Board consider, comment on, and note the adoption of this framework.

Education Standards in Barnet

The meeting also included a review of Education Standards in Barnet 2024-25 Summary of Educational Standards in Barnet 2024-25 FINAL. This report detailed the strengths and areas for development within Barnet's schools. Strengths were noted in Early Years Foundation Stage results, Year 1 Phonics screening, Key Stage 2 attainment across various subjects, and performance of disadvantaged pupils, pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN), and looked-after children. Areas identified for development included attendance and exclusions, particularly in Pupil Referral Units, the transition of weaker readers from primary to secondary education, and improving vocational results at Key Stage 5. The report also highlighted the ongoing challenge of recruiting and retaining teachers and school leaders.

Children in Care and Care Leavers

An update was scheduled on Children in Care and Care Leavers: Advocacy access. This would have provided information on the support services available to young people leaving the care system. A focused visit by Ofsted in November 2025, detailed in the Barnet Focused Visit of Local Authority Children's Services Nov25, found that while most care leavers receive good support, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring consistent and planned transitions into new accommodation for more vulnerable care leavers and the quality of pathway planning.

Barnet Elected Youth Representatives

The Board was also set to receive an update from the Barnet Elected Youth Representatives on their campaign progress. This would have provided a platform for young people to share their priorities and initiatives.

Other Scheduled Items

Other items on the agenda included School Streets, which would have provided an update on initiatives to create safer and more pleasant environments around schools. Updates from other Boards were also planned, alongside a review of the Ofsted Update and the Forward Work Programme Forward Work Programme - 2025-2026. A List of abbreviations List of abbreviations was also provided for reference. The Minutes of Previous Meeting Minutes of Previous Meeting and the BCPB Action Tracker 2026 BCPB Action Tracker 2026 were also presented for noting and updating.