The Children, Families and Education Select Committee met on Tuesday 14 April 2026 to discuss the council's budget and spending, school admissions, the annual standards of education, and the SEND and AP strategy. Key decisions included noting the budget monitoring position, approving the amalgamation of Whitehall Infant and Junior Schools, and noting updates on school admissions and the SEND and AP strategy.

Budget and Spending

The committee noted the council's budget monitoring position for the 2025/26 financial year, as of Month 10. Services within the Children, Families & Education directorate reported a pressure of £6.1 million, a decrease of £0.3 million from the previous month. This improvement was attributed to increased contributions from the Integrated Care Board (ICB) towards the cost of looked-after children's placements. However, pressures remain within Children's Social Care, particularly concerning mother and baby placements, and underlying asylum costs. The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) forecast an in-year deficit of £9.2 million, a favourable movement of £0.4 million from the previous month. This deficit is projected to rise to £75.1 million by the end of the financial year, but will be mitigated by the High Needs Stability Grant, expected in Autumn 2026. The council has achieved 100% of its £4.549 million savings target for 2025/26.

School Admissions Update

An update on school admissions for the current academic year and for September 2026 was presented. There has been a decrease in the number of in-year applications received compared to the previous academic year, largely due to a reduction in families being placed in hotel accommodation. The council has sufficient vacancies across all year groups for primary school places. For secondary admissions for September 2026, all Hillingdon applicants received an offer on National Offer Day, with 67.13% securing their first preference. The Fair Access Panel has seen a 21% decrease in demand for places compared to the previous year, attributed to schools processing in-year applications more swiftly.

Annual Standards of Education Report 2024-25

Michael Hawkins, Head of Education & Lifelong Learning, presented the Annual Standards of Education in Hillingdon Report for 2024-25. The report highlighted that 93% of Hillingdon's schools are rated as 'good' or 'outstanding', with a reduction in the number of schools on the Council's 'at risk' register. Early Years outcomes have improved, with 71% of children achieving a Good Level of Development (GLD), outperforming national and regional benchmarks. Phonics outcomes remain strong. However, Key Stage 2 combined reading, writing, and maths outcomes are below national and regional benchmarks, with writing identified as a priority for improvement. Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5 outcomes were noted as being slightly behind national and regional benchmarks, with a particular focus on improving outcomes for disadvantaged and SEND pupils.

SEND and AP Strategy Update 2023-28

Abi Preston, Director of Education & SEND, and Dominika Michalik, Assistant Director of SEND & Inclusion, provided an update on the SEND and Alternative Provision (AP) Strategy 2023-28. The strategy, now in its third year, is closely aligned with national SEND reforms. The report detailed progress against the five ambitions of the strategy: ensuring the right support is provided at the right time and place; promoting fully inclusive education; ensuring provision meets the needs of Hillingdon's children and young people; enabling children and young people to live happy and fulfilled lives; and creating a flexible AP offer. Key achievements include the opening of Pinn River School, the development of a new SEND funding framework, and a reduction in permanent exclusions for pupils with SEND. Challenges remain, including neurodevelopmental waiting times and the reliance on specialist provision.

Cabinet Forward Plan

Ryan Dell, Democratic Services, presented the Cabinet Forward Plan. The committee noted that the Fostering Review final report would be going to Cabinet the following week.

Work Programme

The committee reviewed its work programme for the upcoming municipal year, noting future meeting dates. Councillor Peter Smallwood OBE was thanked for his service as he steps down at the election.

The meeting concluded with thanks to all involved, including Ryan Dell for his diligent work.