The Children's and Culture Scrutiny Committee met to consider proposals for the development of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) hubs across several primary schools, alongside a review of the Edge of Care Service. The committee also reviewed plans for rebuilding a classroom block at Ancaster Church of England Primary School and a capacity extension at Spalding Academy Secondary School.

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

The committee was scheduled to consider a report on the proposed development of mainstream SEND hubs at five Lincolnshire 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. The report outlined that these hubs are intended to provide enhanced educational provision for children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) within mainstream settings, offering a level of support between mainstream and special education. The aim is to ensure children can be educated within their local communities where possible, maximising the use of existing school buildings and providing cost-effective solutions. Consultation responses from parents, governors, and school staff were included, with the majority expressing support for the proposals, highlighting the benefits for children with SEND and the school community. Concerns raised included the potential impact on existing pupils and the preference for special schools in some instances.

Edge of Care Service Review

A report was scheduled for consideration regarding the Edge of Care Service, commissioned from Safe Families for Children UK. This service, which supports families where children are at risk of entering care through volunteer-led befriending, mentoring, and practical help, has a contract due to expire on 30 June 2026. The report recommended that the service not be recommissioned, citing the strengthening of Lincolnshire's Family Help offer and national social care reforms that provide more integrated, multi-disciplinary support. Consultation with the public and stakeholders indicated strong support for the continuation of the service, with many valuing the volunteer-led, relational support and highlighting its role in preventing children from entering care. However, the report noted that only a small percentage of families supported were genuinely on the edge of care, and the service's volunteer model was increasingly being used for needs too complex for its capacity. Mitigations for the cessation of the service included the continued availability of Family Help, financial assistance under Section 17 of the Children Act 1989, and strengthened community-based support.

Ancaster Church of England Primary School – Two Classroom Block Rebuild

The committee was to consider proposals for the rebuild of a two-classroom block at Ancaster Church of England Primary School. The original modular building, constructed 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 report recommended a permanent rebuild using traditional construction methods, which offers greater longevity, compliance with modern standards, and better value for money over its lifecycle compared to modular alternatives. The new building would incorporate energy-efficient measures, including solar panels, and address the site's high water table. The scheme is fully funded by the Department for Education's School Condition Allocation.

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

A report was scheduled for discussion concerning a basic need capacity extension at Spalding Academy Secondary School, specifically the construction of a new standalone drama facility. This development is intended to support an increase in the school's Published Admission Number (PAN), providing an additional 110 school places. The existing temporary drama provision was deemed insufficient to meet Department for Education standards and restricted the availability of general teaching space. The proposed building would include two soundproofed drama studios, storage, ancillary areas, and accessible toilet facilities, ensuring the school can effectively deliver the drama curriculum and accommodate the increased student numbers. The scheme is 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 also scheduled to review its work programme. This agenda item allows members to comment on the planned scrutiny activities and suggest additional items for future consideration, ensuring the committee's work remains focused on areas of greatest benefit and community interest. The report outlined planned items for upcoming meetings, including discussions on the proposed SEND hubs, the Edge of Care Service, school building projects, performance reports for services such as libraries and childcare, and annual reports on safeguarding and school attendance. Items identified for future programming included the Lincolnshire Archives Development, the conclusion of the Lincoln Museum Development, and a review of 16-18 year olds Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) across Lincolnshire.