The Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the draft Council Plan for 2026-30, review updates from Cabinet Portfolio Holders, and consider the work programme. Key discussions included the delayed opening of a new primary school, the council's approach to social media use by children in care, and the future of the Great Alne Primary School site.

New Primary School Delay and Temporary Arrangements

Councillor Keith Condark raised concerns about the delayed opening of a new primary school, originally planned for September but now scheduled for February 2027. An interim solution involving a modular building at Higham Lane North is being arranged for September 2026. Councillor Condark questioned how such delays would be prevented in the future, with the cabinet member stating that lessons had been learned and efficiency would be improved. Further clarification was sought regarding planning permission for the modular classrooms.

Social Media Use by Children in Care

A significant portion of the meeting focused on the council's policies regarding social media use by children in care. Councillor James Norris questioned the council's approach to preventing addiction to social media among young people in care, given the council's role as corporate parent. Councillor George Finch, Portfolio Holder for Children and Families, stated his personal opinion that the state should not control parental decisions on social media use, but acknowledged that the social media environment can be unsafe for children. He highlighted that carers in children's homes support young people in managing their social media use, often using it as a reward and ensuring a balance with real-world interactions. The discussion also touched upon the provision of electronic devices to children in care and the council's commitment to increasing the number of county-run children's homes.

Future of Great Alne Primary School Site

Councillor James Norris raised questions about the future use of the Great Alne Primary School site following the cabinet's decision to proceed with its closure. He sought a commitment that the site would not be sold for development and would continue to be used for educational purposes. Councillor Wayne Briggs, Portfolio Holder for Education, stated that discussions about the site's future use would take place over the coming months, expressing a personal desire for it to remain an educational establishment and community hub. Councillor Finch, Leader of the Council, also expressed his personal wish for the site to be used for education, not housing development.

Council Plan 2026-30

The committee reviewed the draft Council Plan for 2026-30, which sets out the council's ambition, mission, and objectives under the theme 'Recalibrating Warwickshire'. Councillors generally found the plan to be a high-level document with reasonable principles, but noted that the devil is in the detail and that the effectiveness would depend on its implementation. Specific discussions focused on the SEND provision within the plan, with a commitment to transforming SEND services and ensuring a collective view is taken. The plan also addresses the need for sufficient early years and school places, and improving access to apprenticeships, skills, and trades. Concerns were raised about the language used in the plan, with some councillors feeling it was too businessy and focused on productivity rather than quality outcomes. The low number of public responses to the plan's engagement exercise was also noted.

Children Missing in Care and Social Media Use

Councillor Keith Condark revisited the issue of children missing in care, seeking clarification on trends and whether figures are improving. Sharon, an officer, reported that the number of children going missing had decreased by 10% in the last year, and all children who went missing in the past week had been found. She explained that a strong team supports these young people, and efforts are made to understand the pull factors for them going missing. The discussion also touched on the council's policies towards social media use by young people in care, with officers highlighting the support provided by carers in children's homes to manage usage and encourage real-world interaction.

Regional Care Cooperatives and Family Hubs

Updates were provided on the potential for the West Midlands region to apply to become a regional care cooperative, aiming to improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of children's residential care and foster care placements. The objective is to keep children closer to their communities and avoid competition between local authorities for placements. A soft launch of the family hub at Hatter Space was also mentioned, with a more formal launch to follow. A visit to the family hub was requested by committee members.

Other Matters

• New Primary School: Councillor Keith Condark inquired about the planning permission for temporary huts for the new primary school, expressing concern that if full planning permission was required, the September deadline would be missed.
• School Admissions: The success of the school admissions process was highlighted, with 97% of families receiving one of their top three preferences. An issue with incorrect offers at one local school due to sibling checks was addressed, and an apology was issued.
• SEND Inspection: The committee was informed that a SEND inspection by Ofsted and the CQC is underway, with updates to be provided once the outcome is known.
• Work Programme: Several items were added to the work programme, including a briefing on the SEND inspection, an update on Great Alne School, and a review of children and family centres. A request was also made for information on the use of AI in the EHCP process.
• Staff Sickness: A request was made to follow up on staff sickness rates, which was noted as a matter for the Resources Committee but with a suggestion to copy this committee into any response.

The next meeting of the Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee is scheduled for 23 June 2026.