Councillor Sally Holland

Update on Recent Communication from the Department for Education (DfE) - New Alternative Provision Free School, Flag Lane, Crewe

From: Children and Families Committee - Monday, 16th February, 2026 10.30 am - February 16, 2026

...approved accepting an alternative funding offer of £3.465m from the Department for Education instead of proceeding with the planned Alternative Provision Free School at Flag Lane, Crewe, and agreed that the former Flag Lane baths site was no longer required for this purpose.

Recommendations Approved

Reconnect

From: Children and Families Committee - Monday, 16th February, 2026 10.30 am - February 16, 2026

...approved a partnership with Reconnect Services, on a payment-by-results basis, to deliver a programme aimed at reducing children in residential care, increasing family-based placements, and achieving financial savings.

Recommendations Approved

Notice of Motion - Prohibiting Smartphone Use in Local Authority Schools

From: Children and Families Committee - Monday, 16th February, 2026 10.30 am - February 16, 2026

...approved supporting points 1, 3, and 4 of the motion to prohibit pupils' access to smartphones during the school day, while noting that point 2 regarding the implementation of an enforceable policy could not be supported as Department for Education guidance is non-statutory.

Recommendations Approved

Dedicated Schools Grant 2026/27

From: Children and Families Committee - Monday, 16th February, 2026 10.30 am - February 16, 2026

...approved the Dedicated Schools Grant for 2026/27, including the allocation of its sub-blocks, the schools and early years funding formulas, and delegated authority for fund usage.

Recommendations Approved

Accommodation with Care Contract: Decision to Recommission

From: Adults and Health Committee - Monday, 22nd September, 2025 5.30 pm - September 22, 2025

Recommendations Approved