The Children's and Culture Scrutiny Committee of Lincolnshire Council met on Friday 24 April 2026 to discuss proposals for developing Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) hubs in several primary schools, the future of the Edge of Care Service, and planned rebuilds and extensions at Ancaster Church of England Primary School and Spalding Academy Secondary School. The committee also reviewed its work programme for the coming months.

Proposal to Develop Mainstream Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Hubs

The committee was scheduled to consider proposals for the development of mainstream SEND hubs at five primary schools: Butterwick Pinchbeck's Endowed Church of England Primary School, Church Lane Primary School & Nursery in Sleaford, Hawthorn Tree School in Boston, Sir Francis Hill Community Primary School in Lincoln, and The Edward Richardson Primary School in Tetford. These proposals were to be presented to the Executive Councillor for Children's Services for a final decision between 27 April and 1 May 2026. The committee's views were to be reported to the Executive Councillor as part of her consideration.

The report outlined that the development of these hubs aligns with the Better Belonging Lincolnshire: SEND and Alternative Provision Sufficiency Strategy and aims to provide enhanced mainstream provision for children with SEND, enabling them to be educated in their local communities. Each hub would have capacity for 10 places commissioned by the Local Authority, with an additional 3 places available for the host school. Funding for staffing and capital works was detailed, with the Council committed to funding all capital costs. The proposals followed a statutory consultation process, with overview reports for each school detailing the consultation responses and capital works.

Edge of Care Service

Consideration was given to proposals regarding the Edge of Care Service, which is commissioned from Safe Families for Children UK and is due to expire on 30 June 2026. The service provides volunteer support to families where children are at risk of entering care. The report indicated that a review of the service, informed by public and stakeholder consultation, had been undertaken. The committee was invited to consider the findings and the recommended commissioning option from 1 July 2026, with a decision to be made by the Executive Councillor for Children's Services between 11 and 15 May 2026.

The consultation revealed strong support for the continuation of the service, with 95.1% of public respondents and 100% of stakeholders favouring its continuation. The service was described as effective, particularly in providing befriending, mentoring, and practical support within the home. Concerns were raised about the impact of reducing or ending the service, including more children entering care and increased pressure on statutory services. However, the report also noted that the Council's strengthened Family Help offer and alignment with national social care reforms meant that some of the service's functions were now being delivered through integrated teams. The recommendation was to no longer commission a separate Edge of Care Service, with a focus on strengthening existing provision.

Ancaster Church of England Primary School - Two Classroom Block Rebuild

The committee was scheduled to consider proposals for a two-classroom block rebuild at Ancaster Church of England Primary School. This was to be presented to the Executive Councillor for Children's Services and the Executive Councillor for Resources for a decision between 5 and 11 May 2026. The report detailed that the original modular block, built in 2015, had deteriorated due to persistent water ingress, mould, and building fabric damage, rendering it unfit for use. Temporary classrooms and toilets had been in place since September 2024, incurring ongoing hire costs.

The recommendation was to proceed with a permanent rebuild using traditional construction methods, which was deemed to offer greater longevity, compliance with modern standards, and better value for money over its lifecycle compared to modular construction or remedial works. The scheme included demolition of the existing building, drainage works, construction of a new block with classrooms, toilets, and a one-to-one teaching room, and the installation of solar panels. The project was to be funded through the Department for Education's School Condition Allocation.

Spalding Academy Secondary School - Basic Need Capacity Extension (Drama Studios)

Consideration was also given to proposals for a basic need capacity extension at Spalding Academy Secondary School, specifically the construction of new drama studios. This was to be presented to the Executive Councillor for Children's Services and the Executive Councillor for Resources for a decision between 1 and 8 May 2026. The report explained that this development was necessary to support an approved increase in the school's Published Admission Number (PAN), providing an additional 110 school places.

The existing temporary drama provision was noted as not meeting Department for Education guidance, and its use restricted general teaching space. The proposed new building would provide two soundproofed drama studios and associated areas, enabling the school to deliver the drama curriculum effectively and freeing up existing spaces for general teaching. The scheme was to be funded through a combination of Department for Education Basic Need capital funding and Section 106 developer contributions.

Children's and Culture Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

The committee was scheduled to review and comment on its work programme to ensure its scrutiny activity remained focused and beneficial. The report outlined current items for the 24 April meeting, planned items for future meetings in June, July, and September 2026, and items scheduled for October and November 2026. The committee was invited to highlight any additional scrutiny activities for consideration. Items to be programmed included Lincolnshire Archives Development, Conclusion of Lincoln Museum Development, and 16–18-year-olds Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) across Lincolnshire.