The Family Services Select Committee was scheduled to discuss significant reforms in social care and SEND provision, alongside strategies to address serious youth violence and exploitation. The committee was also set to review the council's work programme and consider updates on bi-borough initiatives.

Bi-borough Social Care Transformation

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the ongoing transformation programme within Children's Services across Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster City Council. This programme aims to implement a revised model of service provision by April 2027, in line with Department for Education (DfE) expectations. The report highlighted that local changes are being made within a context of reduced funding and the need to identify additional savings. A key focus has been developing an end-to-end service offer, providing support for families when needed, informed by detailed analysis of local needs. The report also detailed changes planned for April 2026, including the management of Family Hubs and Clinical Practice services on a bi-borough basis, and the recruitment of a dedicated Head of Children's Social Care Reforms and Transformation. The committee was invited to consider the report and provide feedback, with a particular focus on assurances regarding child safety during the transformation process.

SEND Reform

The committee was scheduled to be briefed on government proposals to reform support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The report outlined the government's vision for inclusive education, aiming for every school to be truly inclusive and every child with additional needs to receive tailored support in their local school. The principles for reform include early intervention, local provision, fair distribution and accountability, effective evidence-based practice, and shared responsibility across education, health, and care. The report noted that Kensington and Chelsea's SEND Strategy 2025-2030 aligns with these principles, prioritising early identification, timely support, and reducing waiting times. The committee was asked to comment on the council's preparations for implementing these changes and to identify priorities for the council's formal response to the government's White Paper, Every Child Achieving and Thriving.

Serious Youth Violence and Exploitation

A report was scheduled to explore the national and local context of Serious Youth Violence (SYV) and exploitation, examining the drivers and risk factors exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis. The paper aimed to provide information on national, regional, and local data concerning SYV incidents and describe the local multi-agency response. It highlighted that while recent volumes of SYV incidents in Kensington and Chelsea are lower than pre-pandemic levels, the nature of these incidents has changed, with an increased use of firearms. The report also detailed the local multi-agency offer to support those affected by or at risk of SYV and exploitation, including the work of the Community Safety Youth Violence Reduction Team and the Serious Youth Violence and Exploitation Panel (SYVEP). The committee was invited to note the report's content and provide reflections on the work being done to address SYV and exploitation.

Work Programme

The committee was scheduled to review its work programme and consider suggested items for future scrutiny. The report outlined the committee's remit, which covers social services provision for children and families, education, training, youth services, early years, childcare, and play services. The committee was to be updated on a roundtable meeting regarding proposals for the new Children and Young People's Plan 2027-2030 and planned visits to Cheyne Family Hub and Marlborough Primary School. A list of suggested items for the new municipal year was provided, including updates on social care reform, SEND reforms, and the bi-borough school inclusion strategy.