The Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission of Hackney Council met on Monday 16 March 2026 to discuss a range of important issues affecting children and young people in the borough. Key topics included the outcomes of an Ofsted Area SEND inspection, housing support for families with children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and behaviour management in schools. The Commission also received updates on various council initiatives and reviewed its work programme.

Ofsted Area SEND Inspection Outcome

The Commission was scheduled to receive a verbal response from Deputy Mayor Bramble, Cabinet member for Children's Services and Young People, regarding the outcome of the Area SEND inspection conducted by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) between 17 and 21 November 2025. The inspection assessed the arrangements for children and young people with SEND in Hackney. The report, published in January 2026, indicated that Hackney's arrangements lead to inconsistent experiences and outcomes for children and young people with SEND, and that the local area partnership must work jointly to make improvements. The Commission was to be informed of the council's response to the inspection's findings and recommendations.

Housing Support for Families of Children with SEND

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing housing support for families of children with SEND. This topic stemmed from a deputation to Full Council in January 2025, highlighting concerns about accessing local housing support. The Commission, in conjunction with the Living in Hackney Scrutiny Commission, had previously met with Cabinet members, senior officers, and parent representatives to explore this issue. The report pack indicated that the Commission had written to Deputy Mayor Bramble, Councillor Sade Etti (Cabinet Member for Homelessness Prevention, Rough Sleeping and Temporary Accommodation), and Councillor Anya Sizer (Deputy Cabinet Member for Families, Early Years & SEND) outlining suggestions for improvement. The discussion was expected to cover the local authority's housing duties and responsibilities, the scale of the housing challenge, the medical needs assessment process, available housing assistance, and the coordinated council-wide offer in the absence of local housing options.

Behaviour Management and School Inclusion

The Commission was scheduled to discuss its outline recommendations for behaviour management and school inclusion. Evidence gathering for this review had concluded on 22 January 2026, with the Commission in the process of collating evidence from public sessions, a call for evidence survey, and focus groups with stakeholders. The report pack indicated that a final report was being prepared for completion before the end of the municipal year 2025/26.

Cabinet Question and Answer Sessions

The meeting included two Cabinet Question and Answer sessions. Deputy Mayor Bramble was scheduled to provide verbal responses to questions on three policy areas: School Admissions (including in-year and Fair Access Protocol), the Young Hackney update, and the 10 activities by age 10 programme. Councillor Sizer was also scheduled to respond to questions on Children & Family Hubs, Specialist SEND placements, and Wraparound Childcare.

Other Scheduled Discussions

The Commission was also set to note its response to its scrutiny of support for young parents through the Enhanced Health Visiting Service, as well as its response to the scrutiny of the Improving Outcomes for Black Children & Young People Programme. Correspondence to the City & Hackney Safeguarding Partnership and the Department for Education concerning the Child Safeguarding Practice Review of Mossbourne Victoria Park Academy was also to be noted. The Commission's work programme for 2025/2026 and the minutes of previous meetings were also on the agenda.