Councillor Saffron Sims-Brydon

Special, Children and Young People's Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Friday 10 October 2025 9.30 am

The Children and Young People's Overview and Scrutiny Committee convened to discuss Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in County Durham. The agenda included a report from John Pearce, Corporate Director Children & Young People's Services, and a presentation covering various aspects of SEND in the area. The committee was expected to review the current state of SEND support, demand, and the local and national frameworks guiding these services.

Children and Young People's Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Monday 22 September 2025 9.30 am

The Children and Young People's Overview and Scrutiny Committee were scheduled to meet to discuss the inspection of local authority children's services, an overview of public health services, and financial reports. The committee was also expected to review the latest performance management report.

Highways Committee - Tuesday 16 September 2025 9.30 am

The Highways Committee met to discuss proposed traffic calming measures and parking restrictions in several areas. Councillors endorsed proposals for traffic calming in Kelloe and new parking restrictions in Blackhall, Blackhill and Shotley Bridge, Chester-le-Street and Birtley, and Coxhoe, all of which will now proceed for a final decision by the Corporate Director of Neighbourhoods and Environment. The committee also approved a Definitive Map Modification Order related to public footpaths near Esh.

Corporate Parenting Panel - Friday 5 September 2025 9.30 am

The Corporate Parenting Panel met to discuss the Durham Family Strategy, updates from Ofsted, and annual surveys from children in care and care leavers. The panel approved the new Durham Family Strategy 2025-2029 and agreed to change the name of the Corporate Parenting Panel to the Durham Family Panel. They also agreed to a Care Leavers Council representative and a housing representative taking co-opted positions on the panel.

Corporate Parenting Panel - Friday 18 July 2025 9.30 am

The Corporate Parenting Panel were scheduled to discuss updates from Ofsted, reports on adoption services, and a sufficiency statement for children in care and care leavers, at a meeting on 18 July 2025. The panel was also scheduled to hear from young people of the Children in Care Council (CiCC) about their activities. Some of the items scheduled for discussion contained exempt information and were expected to be discussed in private.