The Children, Families and Education Select Committee of Hillingdon Council met on Thursday, 12 March 2026, to discuss the council's budget and spending, school place planning, and the proposed amalgamation of Whitehall Infant and Junior Schools. Key decisions included noting the budget monitoring position, agreeing to delegate comments on the School Organisation Plan to officers, and agreeing to delegate final wording amendments for the fostering review report to officers.

Budget & Spending

The committee reviewed the 2025/26 Month 9 budget monitoring position, which indicated a £6.4 million pressure, an increase from the previous report. This was attributed to ongoing asylum pressures and increased demand within children's social care, particularly concerning children's placements and homes. Despite these pressures, the directorate had achieved 96% of its £4.5 million savings target, with no identified risks to the delivery of the remaining savings. The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) position remained stable, with a projected in-year deficit of £9.6 million. Officers explained that the government's proposed 90% write-off of SEND deficits would be contingent on the approval of a SEND Reform Plan by the Secretary of State, with payments expected in autumn 2026. The committee noted the significant progress made in reducing the DSG deficit over recent years and the council's strong position compared to other authorities. Savings had been achieved through improved demand management and investment in in-house provision, such as expanding foster carer capacity and residential services.

School Place Planning: School Organisation Plan

The committee considered the updated School Organisation Plan for Hillingdon, which outlines the council's strategy for ensuring sufficient school places. Members noted a significant reduction in nursery-age children and expressed concern about the long-term impact on primary and secondary school capacity. Officers acknowledged the declining birth rates and pupil numbers, stating that projections were closely monitored and that the plan was a vital strategic tool. Proposals to run workshops with schools to support their use of projections for budgeting and forward planning were highlighted. The committee also discussed the pattern of pupils travelling from the south to the north of the borough for secondary education, acknowledging that parental preference and school reputation played a significant role. Officers confirmed that work was underway to assess school capacity and explore creative uses of spare space, such as for alternative provision and SEND support.

Proposal to Amalgamate Whitehall Infant School and Whitehall Junior School

Officers presented the proposal to amalgamate Whitehall Infant School and Whitehall Junior School into a single, three-form entry primary school from September 2026. This proposal was triggered by the impending retirement of the Headteacher of Whitehall Infant School and aligned with the council's Infant and Junior Schools Amalgamation Policy. The amalgamation would involve the technical closure of Whitehall Infant School and the extension of Whitehall Junior School's age range to include nursery to Year 6 pupils. The committee reviewed the proposal, noting that the consultation process was ongoing. Concerns raised by parents and staff included anxieties about the mixing of age groups and financial implications. Officers reassured members that the schools would continue to operate on the same site, with no change to the curriculum or capacity, and that vulnerable pupils would continue to receive the same level of support. The committee agreed to delegate comments on the proposal to officers for inclusion in the Cabinet report.

Corporate Parenting Panel Minutes

The committee noted the minutes from the Corporate Parenting Panel meeting.

Fostering Review: Final Report

The committee reviewed the draft final report of its fostering review. Members thanked officers for their work on the report and noted the progress made in recruiting new foster carers, with 17 new households approved in the current year. The focus remained on recruiting the right carers, particularly for adolescents and children with complex needs. The committee agreed to delegate final wording amendments to the report to officers and agreed to submit the review to Cabinet.

Forward Plan

The committee noted the Cabinet Forward Plan, which outlines key decisions to be taken by the Cabinet and Cabinet Members over the coming year.

Work Programme

The committee considered its work programme for the upcoming municipal year, noting future meeting dates and agreeing to consider any proposed amendments.

The meeting concluded at 7:50 pm.