Joanne Dempster

Scrutiny Panel 3 - 2023/2024: Children's Services Officer

Children's Services Scrutiny Panel - Tuesday, 25 November 2025 7.00 pm

The Children's Services Scrutiny Panel were scheduled to discuss SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) performance and the council's Early Help Strategy at their meeting. The discussion of SEND performance included progress following a Local Government Association (LGA) peer challenge review[^2], the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) review process, criteria for placements in Additionally Resourced Provisions (ARPs) and special schools, children on reduced timetables, pathways for early intervention, and community involvement. The Early Help Strategy discussion included a revised Children's Centre and outreach offer.

Scrutiny Panel 3 - 2023/2024: Children's Services Officer

Children's Services Scrutiny Panel - Thursday, 2 October 2025 7.00 pm

The Ealing Council's Children's Services Scrutiny Panel met on 2 October 2025 to discuss the council's response to the government's national children's social care agenda, the Families First Partnership Program, and the role of the LBE SAFE teams and early intervention in supporting children at risk of entering care. The panel also agreed to the co-option of Ms Sharde Hurd as an education representative and scheduled a site visit to allow panel members to become better acquainted with the work of Children's Services.

Scrutiny Panel 3 - 2023/2024: Children's Services Council Staff

Children's Services Scrutiny Panel - Tuesday, 8 July 2025 7.00 pm

The Children's Services Scrutiny Panel met to discuss panel operations for the 2025-2026 municipal year, receive an update on the progress of children's services following an Ofsted inspection, and review the Children's Social Care Self-Evaluation for 2024/25. The panel agreed to its terms of reference and outline work programme. The panel also made a recommendation that the council continue its work in developing a strategy for kinship carers[^1], and requested a future report on transition planning for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)[^2].