The Scrutiny Committee of the Isles of Scilly Council met on Thursday, 23 April 2026, to review progress on the Isles of Scilly Fire and Rescue Service Community Risk Management Plan, receive an update on the Learn Scilly service, and discuss recent Ofsted monitoring visits and post-16 education provision.

Isles of Scilly Fire and Rescue Service Community Risk Management Plan 2023-2026: Progress Report and Interim Year Extension

The committee was scheduled to consider a progress report on the Isles of Scilly Fire and Rescue Service Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) for 2023-2026. The report detailed achievements in modernising prevention activities, enhancing safeguarding, and improving operational preparedness. It also outlined plans for an interim CRMP for 2026-2027 to ensure continuity while outstanding workstreams are completed. The report highlighted progress in areas such as broadening Home Fire Safety Checks to Living Safe and Well Visits, establishing multi-agency risk information sharing, and aligning with national safety campaigns. Plans for the interim year included continuing prevention activities, implementing a refreshed Risk-Based Intervention Programme for protection, and updating operational risk information processes. The report also detailed progress in people and resources, including workforce planning and IT training.

Learn Scilly Annual Update

An annual update on the Learn Scilly service was presented, highlighting the benefits of adult learning for health, economic growth, and personal development. The report detailed the service's governance, which includes reporting to the Learning and Workforce Development Advisory Group and an annual report to Scrutiny. Learn Scilly was last inspected by Ofsted in April 2023 and graded as Good overall. The service assesses local learning needs through a demand-led approach, incorporating community surveys, learner feedback, and labour market intelligence. The report also discussed the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, which identifies distinct skills challenges for the islands, such as a restricted further education offer and difficulties accessing mainland provision. The Get Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Working plan was also mentioned, aiming to boost labour market participation and workforce resilience. The report outlined the four main areas of work for Learn Scilly: wellbeing courses, vocational training and apprenticeships, learning and development for Council staff, and information, advice, and guidance (IAG) on employability and skills. It noted that the service had facilitated 43 courses in the 2024/25 academic year, with a total of 280 enrolments. Areas identified for development included strengthening readiness for Ofsted inspections, analysing gaps in IAG delivery, and increasing engagement with the wider business community.

Update on Ofsted Monitoring Visit on 10th and 11th March 2026

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the Ofsted monitoring visit to Children's Services conducted on 10th and 11th March 2026. The report indicated that the overall improvement trajectory had been impeded by a decline in the quality and effectiveness of social work practice and management oversight. However, key safeguarding partners remained engaged, and leadership stability, improved resource capacity, and practice improvements were observed following the appointment of a permanent Director of Children's Services. Further progress since the visit included the appointment of a permanent Head of Children's Services and an Adult Social Care Worker, the implementation of strengthened governance and reporting mechanisms, and the creation of a shared co-working space. The report stated there were no new financial implications, with improvements being addressed using the 2026-27 Children's Services budget. The council's legal obligation to safeguard and promote the welfare of children was highlighted.

Update on Post-16 Education

This report provided responses to information requested by the Scrutiny Committee regarding post-16 education. It included a statement on the statutory position that mainland accommodation is the only practical route for Isles of Scilly children to access post-16 education, and the implications for the Council's duties under the Education Act 1996. The report detailed the Council's statutory duty to ensure sufficient suitable education and training is available and to facilitate attendance, including having a transport policy statement. It clarified that there is no general duty to provide or fully fund transport and accommodation for post-16 students, but the Council receives a grant from the Department for Education (DfE) as a contribution towards these costs. The report also provided an assessment of safeguarding responsibilities arising from placing children away from home, noting that there is no statutory requirement for the Council to assess or approve accommodation arrangements made by parents for young people aged 16-18, unless specific legal frameworks are met. The DfE's position regarding assurance models and the resulting accountability for the Council was also outlined, stating that the DfE has not prescribed a national assurance model. A transparent account of the financial position, including underspend causes and equity implications, was to be provided. Finally, an evaluation of whether the current post-16 model is compatible with the Council's statutory duties and potential options for establishing a lawful, safe, and equitable system was scheduled for discussion. The report also included an overview of a meeting held with Minister Jacqui Smith and MP Andrew George on 4th March 2026, where the unique challenges for island families accessing post-16 education were discussed.