The Children, Education and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Monday 16 March 2026 to discuss a range of important issues affecting children and young people in West Northamptonshire. Key topics included the provision of early years services, the council's Best Start in Life Plan, and the development of Family Hubs and the Youth Offer Strategy. The committee also reviewed the council's performance report and its own work programme.

Early Years Provision and Childcare Sufficiency Assessment

The committee received an update on the current Early Years (0-5) provision and the Childcare Sufficiency Assessment (CSA). The CSA, a statutory requirement, identified a deficit of approximately 152 childcare places across West Northamptonshire, with variations between wards. Members sought clarification on how future childcare provision would be planned, particularly in light of new housing developments, and what measures were in place to support the 20% of early years providers rated as requiring improvement. Concerns were also raised about the sustainability of the childcare sector, given government-set rates and the additional staffing needs for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and those under two. The committee requested an update on childcare placement forecasting and provision locations.

Best Start in Life Plan

An overview of the council's Best Start in Life Plan was presented, aiming to improve the proportion of children achieving a Good Level of Development at reception age from the current 70.3% to a target of 77.2% within two years. The plan focuses on ensuring disadvantaged children benefit equally from early years development and narrowing attainment gaps. Key themes include improving speech, language, and communication outcomes, reducing inequalities, strengthening early intervention, and supporting families through integrated services. Members questioned the ambition of the 77.2% target and how the plan would address children starting school without essential developmental skills. They also inquired about parental engagement strategies and how the plan would specifically close the attainment gap for disadvantaged children. The committee agreed to consider further scrutiny of the plan, particularly regarding actions to address outcome differences for disadvantaged children, once the delivery plan was developed.

Family Help Strategy and Family Hubs

The committee received an update on the finalised Family Help Strategy, which provides a multi-agency framework for delivering support to children and families. Family Hubs, operating for approximately one year, offer integrated services across different age groups, from 0-5 years to 11-19 years. Hub locations are determined by estate availability, budget, proximity to areas of deprivation, and transport links. The service is delivered in partnership with around 50 organisations. Members welcomed the development of Family Hubs and encouraged their continued roll-out, suggesting the involvement of local charities and the exploration of existing community facilities. Questions were raised about how the impact of Family Hubs would be measured and the feasibility of a mobile Family Hub. The committee supported the Family Help and Family Hubs approach and noted the positive impact and progress made to date.

Update on the Youth Offer Strategy

An update on the Youth Offer Strategy was provided, highlighting its integration with other strategies, including the Family Help Strategy, to ensure a coordinated approach for young people. The strategy is delivered through a multi-agency governance structure, including a Youth Offer Board. The committee raised concerns about the reliance on a multi-agency approach, particularly regarding contingency plans if partner organisations were unable to deliver, and how the strategy would be funded. Officers responded that partner engagement was unlikely to cease and that funding would be addressed through the Medium-Term Financial Plan. The committee noted the verbal report and welcomed the completed Youth Offer Strategy.

Children, Education and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee Annual Report 2025/26

The draft Annual Report for 2025/26 was presented, summarising the committee's work over the municipal year. The report outlines the committee's contributions to policy development and decision-making. Members were invited to review the draft and propose any amendments. The committee endorsed the draft Annual Report.

Review of Committee Work Programme

The committee reviewed its Work Programme, identifying potential items for future meetings. It was noted that the incoming committee would prioritise these items. The committee also had the opportunity to provide pre-decision scrutiny input on a new Council Rent Setting Policy and Procedure for social housing stock in September 2026. Members suggested adding an overview of pupil attainment, a continued focus on SEND, and further information regarding CAMHS provision and capacity to the work programme. The committee agreed to add these topics for discussion and prioritisation by the incoming committee.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)

Councillor Anthony Owens raised concerns about Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in West Northamptonshire, referencing information obtained via a Freedom of Information request that he felt contradicted assurances given at a previous meeting regarding staffing levels and capacity. He encouraged the committee to pursue this matter further. The Director of Children's Services stated she would respond directly to Councillor Owens. The committee noted that the potential for further scrutiny of CAMHS provision had been identified at the previous meeting.

Other Matters

The meeting also included the confirmation of the minutes from the previous meeting held on 16 March 2026. Councillor Ronald Firman declared an interest as his wife worked as a childminder. The Chair reminded members to use their microphones and to be concise in their contributions. The Chair also thanked members and officers for their work throughout the municipal year, noting this was the final meeting of the year. A member of the public, Mrs Jean Lineker, addressed the committee regarding early years funding payments and the lack of accessible community space.