The Children and Education Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee meeting on 12 March 2026 discussed a range of critical issues affecting children and young people in Barnet, with a particular focus on educational standards, childcare sufficiency, and the support provided to vulnerable groups. The committee received a report on educational standards in Barnet, noting that all schools are rated as 'expected standard' or better by Ofsted. Discussions also covered ongoing efforts to address disparities in attainment for Black pupils, particularly Black Caribbean and mixed White and Black Caribbean pupils, with research projects, school visits, and a forthcoming conference planned.

Educational Standards in Barnet

The committee received a report on educational standards in Barnet. It was highlighted that Barnet continues to perform exceptionally well, with all schools rated as 'expected standard' or better by Ofsted. Attendance rates across Barnet schools remain strong, with secondary school attendance ranking seventh nationally. Early years provision shows good levels of development, and primary and secondary school attainment are consistently within the top 10% of local authorities nationally.

However, areas for development were identified, including raising attendance in Pupil Referral Units (PRUs), supporting weaker readers transitioning from primary to secondary school, and improving vocational results at Key Stage 5. The report also highlighted concerns regarding the achievement of disadvantaged pupils, pupils with SEND, and particularly Black pupils at Key Stage 2, where attainment has dropped. Mental health and the recruitment and retention of teachers were also noted as key priorities.

Councillor Anne Hutton raised concerns about the attainment gap for Black pupils, noting that this disparity was evident from early years. Neil Marlow, Chief Executive of Barnet Education and Learning Service (BELS), explained that while overall attainment for Black pupils had improved nationally, Barnet's Black pupils, specifically Black Caribbean and mixed White and Black Caribbean pupils, were underperforming compared to other ethnic groups within the borough. Efforts are underway to address this, including research projects, school visits, and a forthcoming conference on raising Black achievement.

Annual Childcare Sufficiency Assessment

The committee reviewed the annual Childcare Sufficiency Assessment for Barnet, which concluded that there are no immediate concerns regarding the overall sufficiency of childcare places in the borough. The assessment highlighted the successful rollout of the extended childcare offer for working families, providing up to 30 hours of free childcare for children aged 9 months to reception age.

However, challenges remain, particularly concerning the recruitment and retention of early years staff, a national issue impacting Barnet's ability to offer places at full capacity. The report also noted the presence of Home Office hotels accommodating children under five, but stated that this has not yet impacted childcare sufficiency, though it is being closely monitored. The council is working with providers and partners to address staff retention issues and ensure continued sufficiency, especially in areas of regeneration.

Family Services Quarterly Update

Brigitte Jordaan, Director of Children's Social Care, presented the quarterly update for Family Services. The report indicated stable performance across safeguarding and statutory intervention activity, with improvements in the timeliness of child protection visits. Early Help services are showing increased effectiveness, with a reduction in assessments resulting in no further action. Corporate Parenting figures remain consistent, with improvements noted in education, employment, and training outcomes for care leavers.

The committee discussed the new Family Help model, which aims to integrate targeted early help and statutory support under a single plan and practitioner to reduce transfers between services and provide a more consistent experience for families. Ofsted's focused visit to the Care Leavers Service in November 2025 found strong pathway planning and relationship-based practice, with overwhelmingly positive feedback from care leavers. However, Ofsted identified areas for improvement, including the management of planned moves into accommodation and ensuring young people's voices are captured in audits.

Young Carers Task and Finish Group Update

The committee received information regarding the Young Carers Task and Finish Group report, which highlighted that a significant number of young carers in Barnet remain unidentified and unsupported. An estimated 6,500 young carers aged 5-17 live in Barnet, but only 13% were known to services in 2023. The report made ten recommendations aimed at improving the identification and support for young carers, including enhanced communication with schools and health partners, the appointment of a Fostering Champion, and a review of the age definition for young carers. Cabinet accepted all recommendations, with some requiring further financial modelling or discussion with partners.

Fostering Task and Finish Group Update

The Fostering Task and Finish Group presented its report on the recruitment and retention of foster carers in Barnet. The report noted a national decline in fostering households, with Barnet facing similar challenges, including an ageing fostering community and younger carers relocating. Barnet has exceeded its recruitment target for new foster carers, but further efforts are needed. The group made eight recommendations, including providing Councillors with social media materials for recruitment, appointing a Fostering Champion, incorporating fostering into the Member Development Programme, exploring Council Tax reductions and free parking permits for foster carers, and investigating the implementation of the Mockingbird Programme. Cabinet accepted most recommendations, with some requiring further financial modelling or analysis.

Cabinet Forward Plan (Key Decision Schedule)

The committee noted the Cabinet Forward Plan for 2026, which outlines upcoming key decisions. Members were invited to identify any items they wished to request for pre-decision scrutiny.

Children and Education Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee Work Programme

The committee noted its work programme for the upcoming period.

Urgent Item: School Incidents of Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia

The committee received a verbal update on a significant increase in incidents of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia affecting schools in Barnet since October 2023. School leaders reported distressing impacts on pupils, staff, and communities. Planned actions include sharing experiences through school partnerships, developing awareness-raising materials, engaging with governing bodies, and improving incident response. The committee requested further updates on this work.