Agenda and minutes

To issue a welcome to those present, and to confirm if there are any apologies for absence.

There were no apologies.  

Members are asked to declare any interests they may have in the business to be discussed.

Members were asked to declare any interests they may have had in the business to be discussed.

Cllr Moore declared that a relative was a member of a protected group and previously worked for Leicester City Council and still accessing Council services. She felt she shouldn't take part in the discussion of the budget of the Revenue Account and left the room for this item.

The minutes of the meeting of the Children, Young People, and Education Scrutiny Commission held on Tuesday 28^th October  have been circulated, and Members are asked to confirm them as a correct record.

AGREED:

1.    That the minutes of the meeting of the Children, Young People and Education Scrutiny Commission held on 28^th October 2025 be confirmed as a correct record.

The Chair is invited to make any announcements as they see fit. 

No announcements were made.

Any questions, representations and statements of case submitted in accordance with the Council’s procedures will be reported.

The Monitoring Officer reported that none had been received.

Any petitions received in accordance with Council procedures will be reported.

The Monitoring Officer reported that none had been received.

The Director of Finance submits a report setting out the City Mayor’s proposed Draft General Fund Revenue Budget for 2026/27.

The Director of Finance submitted a report setting out the City Mayor’s proposed Draft General Fund Revenue Budget for 2026/27, and a report on the City Mayor’s proposed Draft Three-Year Capital Programme 2026/27. Both items were taken together.

The Head of Finance (Education and Social Care) gave an overview of the reports, key points to note were as follows:

• The Draft General Fund Revenue Budget sets out the budget for 2026/2027 and the medium term financial strategy for the next two years. It was based on the government’s Fair Funding consultation which ran over the summer, results were awaited but a budget gap was still forecasted. Hence the five strand strategy from last year would continue as follows:
  • To deliver budget savings
  • Constrain growth in areas such as Social Care and homelessness
  • A reduction in the Capital Programme
  • Releasing one off monies
  • A programme of property sales
• The budget built in growth to meet ongoing costs in social care, homelessness and housing benefits. The scope for additional investment was limited but some provision was made, particularly in areas previously funded from grants no longer received.
• Items relating to children’s services included significant investment in future years as the growth forecasts are refreshed annually.
• There would be increased in house provision with an improved quality of accommodation and we expect that this will lead to lower rates of placement breakdowns.
• Attention was drawn to paragraph 6.1.3 of the Draft General Fund Revenue Budget which noted the position on the Dedicated Schools Grant, known as the DSG. The cumulative deficit was forecast to be £44.8m by the end of the financial year. The High Needs deficit for children with SEND was due to insufficient funding. The Government had indicated that future deficits may be centrally funded from April 2028, but there was no clarity currently on how existing deficits would be addressed. Any remaining deficit may fall to the Council to fund from its resources.
• The Draft three year capital programme 2026/27 was worth £129m, fully funded from council resources, government grants and borrowing.
• A three year budget was better for planning, especially for capital projects running across several financial years.
• Specifically for children’s services, £12.9m was provided to continue the School’s Capital Maintenance Programme.
• Two new children’s homes were planned for 2027, jointly funded by the DfE (not included in the Capital report but referenced in the Revenue report)
• Both of the papers would be updated and presented to Council in February and would include updated figures following the finance settlement.

The Chair invited questions and comments from the Commission. The following key points were discussed:

• Any underspends were transferred to general reserves.
• In response to a question from members on the draft Capital Programme (Appendix 5), it was explained that the £1m allocation in 2026/27 related to school buildings and was based on condition and maintenance needs. The DfE’s funding formula meant this was considered an increase despite appearing lower than projections in later years. The methodology used by the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 194.

The Leicester Safeguarding Children Partnership (LSCP) submit their Annual Report for 24/25 which will be presented by the LSCP Independent Scrutineer.

The Strategic Director of Social Care and Education submitted the Leicester Safeguarding Children Partnership Annual Report to the Commission on the activity Safe Guarding Partners have undertaken in a 12 month period.

·       The LSCP Independent Scrutineer presented the report. The following was noted:

·       The report had been delayed from its usual summer publication date and provided a retrospective overview of the partnership’s activity.

·       The report responded to statutory requirements and set out key achievements and challenges. It was highlighted that the reporting year had seen significant national change, with the context and drivers for those changes detailed throughout the report.

·       Priority areas had been triangulated using feedback from children, families and practitioners, with practitioner voice playing a key role in shaping the work. The priorities for the coming year were set out at the end of the report.

Key Achievements:

• Formed a new Education Subgroup, which promotes and strengthens the role of local schools, colleges, early years and childcare settings in safeguarding arrangements
• Expanded the reach and membership of the Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland Voluntary and Community Sector Forum to strengthen engagement with this sector
• Quickly addressed and started to implement any learning required as a result of national reviews published by the Child Safeguarding
• Practice Review Panel
• Delivered high quality and well-attended large scale training events alongside our regular training programme

Key Challenges:

• Implementing the changes required as a result of Working Together 2023 and ensuring that the measures agreed were suitable and proportionate
• Progressing our Transitions
  Business Priority. The issues faced have been addressed and for 2025-26 there will be new vigour and focus to this work
• Having the capacity to fulfil our audit schedule, in light of competing priorities linked to the Joint Targeted Inspection programme. As a result of the issues faced, for 2025-26, the work of the Assurance and Audit Group will be split and taken up by two separate subgroups - the Performance Group and the Audit Group

In discussion with Members, the following was noted:

·       Members welcomed the proposal to recruit a young person to the partnership and sought clarity on how individuals would be selected and supported to ensure they were able to participate meaningfully in the role.

·       Officers explained that benchmarking and research had been undertaken with other areas where similar approaches were already established. Consideration had been given to balancing education commitments with participation, with the focus placed on the 16 to 18 age group. The role had been advertised widely to ensure fairness and accessibility, supported by a clear role description and skills profile. A shortlist had been agreed and interviews were due to take place, with the process being held online to improve accessibility. That while many young people already had relevant experience, the process had been designed to avoid excluding those who had not previously had similar opportunities.

·       Members raised safeguarding concerns in relation to children’s use of mobile phones, recognising this as a nationally prominent issue. Officers confirmed that this remained an ongoing area of focus for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 195.

The Strategic Director for Social Care and Education submits a report providing an update to the Children, Young People and Education Scrutiny Commission regarding the Post 16 Transport service, including the latest policy implementation.

The Strategic Director for Social Care and Education submitted a report providing an update to the Children, Young People and Education Scrutiny Commission regarding the Post 16 Transport service, including the latest policy implementation.

The Assistant City Mayor for Children and Young People introduced the item and thanked the team for their exceptional work and significant engagement with the families.

The Director of SEND and Education reminded the commission that the update had come to scrutiny as requested after the recent policy changes. The following points were noted:

• A lot of hard work had gone into providing individualised responses to families.
• Over 200 cases had been reviewed with a wait time of under 5 days and typically within one day.
• Of the 215 Post 16 SEND school children supported, over 74% had received Council arranged transport, 25% had PTBS and enhanced PTBS.
• There had been 15 appeals, 4 of which went to stage 2. Only 2 appeals were rejected, due to insufficient evidence.
• The individualised approach was considered to be sustainable.
• Work would include making the package more efficient with a travel training element. Other Local Authorities with this experience were consulted.
• There had not been an increase in NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) figures.
• There was an upcoming annual consultation with a view to keeping the current policy in place.
• Matters pertaining to the last change of policy had been well scrutinised with suggestions taken onboard.

In response to member discussion, the following was noted:

• Members noted that they had not received any complaints or requests for assistance from dissatisfied families.
• The new policy meant that costs could be controlled whilst safeguarding and meeting the needs of the children.
• IT routing systems would play a key role during the growth in the SEND population.
• Post-16 school transport was not a statutory requirement, although needs still had to be addressed appropriately.
• Members discussed complaints relating to reliability. It was noted that there were inbuilt checks for taxi providers. A recent complaint had been dealt with swiftly and the family had been reassured.
• During the change of policy, the commission had made two recommendations relating to the Exceptional Circumstances element of policy (7.1). Members requested that these two remain embedded:

1)    Where the circumstances mean that practically and or financially it is not possible for parents or carers to make arrangements for transport despite their best efforts.

2)    Where a parent or carer supporting the student with their journey is not reasonably practical whilst continuing in employment, or a reduction or flexibility in hours of employment would cause financial hardship as described.

• The upcoming year’s policy would be published on time to allow for planning.
• In response to a question surrounding sustainability, it was noted that this would depend on the growth of the SEND population. Travel training and the computer programme will help. Also, early work with schools from year 9 onwards would be beneficial.

AGREED:

1)    To note the update.

2)    Members would email The Director of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 196.

The Chair submits the final report from the High Needs Block Task Group.

The Commission received a presentation led by the Chair providing an overview the findings of the High Needs Block Task Group and answered questions from members and answers.

It was noted that:

·       The Task Group had benefited from strong engagement from officers, councillors and schools, with a significant amount of information shared to support the review.

·       Members also met with young people, whose feedback provided valuable insight into their experiences.

·       Members reflected that this Task Group had taken a different approach to previous reviews, with officers leading the drafting of the report, and welcomed the thoroughness of the final document.

·       It was suggested that councillor led investigations, including site visits, observations and reflections, should be more clearly and visibly embedded within reports, to reflect the work undertaken by members.

·       Discussion highlighted the importance of early intervention and investment at primary school level to support inclusion and manage demand on the High Needs Block.

·       Members shared examples of effective practice observed in schools, including positive behaviour management approaches, staff training, rewards and recognition, and incentives designed to promote engagement and positive behaviour.

·       The importance of relationships was emphasised, with examples of consistent daily interaction between teachers and pupils helping to build trust and improve behaviour outcomes.

·       Members reflected positively on visits undertaken as part of the Task Group, noting strong inclusive practice and a clear focus on making children feel part of their school community.

·       It was recognised that improvements in behaviour and outcomes required clear leadership, consistency and sustained effort over time.

·       The importance of reinstating protocols for councillor visits to schools in different wards to ensure appropriate communication and transparency.

·       Members sought clearer information within the recommendations on access to services, waiting times, delays and family engagement, including average waiting times where available

·       Officers outlined ongoing work to support the sharing of good practice across schools, including regular secondary networks, engagement with academy trust leaders, and established professional networks to promote collaboration and learning.

·       Members received an update on the recent Ofsted SEND inspection and noted the overall positive outcome, alongside areas identified for improvement.

·       It was confirmed that a post inspection action plan would be published by 30 January and that work would continue to address all identified areas for improvement.

·       Members noted that a national SEND White Paper was expected shortly and suggested that this be considered alongside the Task Group’s findings at a future meeting, prior to submission to the Executive

AGREED:

1.    The Commission noted the High Needs Block Task Group Report and the work undertaken.

2.    Officers to respond to questions raised following the second Task Group meeting, including those referenced within the report.

3.    The report to be updated with responses to questions raised be on the agenda at the next meeting, prior to submission to the Executive.

4.    Councillors’ Task Group notes to be published alongside the meeting minutes.

The Strategic Director for Social Care and Education submits a report providing an overview of the activity and performance of the Fostering Service from 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025. The report should be read in conjunction with the annual statement of purpose which sets out the service aims, objectives and configuration.

The Strategic Director for Social Care and Education submitted a report providing an overview of the activity and performance of the Fostering Service from 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025. 

The Director of Children’s Social Work and Early Help introduced the item noting that the Fostering Service was a regulated service with an obligation to produce the annual report. The report also went to the Corporate Parenting Panel. As well as recruitment, supporting foster carers and the young people was key.

The Head of Service Corporate Parenting gave an overview of the report. Key points to note were as follows:

• Most of the Leicester City looked after children (LAC) resided with foster carers and remained within or within a 20-mile radius of the city. This allowed for continuity of family networks and for children to continue to go to local schools.
• There were a small number of private foster carers, 43 kinship carers and also respite carers providing short breaks.
• Key areas of focus included recruitment, carer support and safeguarding.
• Regarding recruitment, there was a national shortage of foster carers. Many long-term carers where now leaving due to retirement. Going forward, unique selling points would need to be considered. Foster carers of all backgrounds and ages were required with flexibility of hours being available.
• The Kinship Strategy enabled extended family arrangements and Corporate grandparenting.
• The Council website now had an inbuilt micro site for the fostering offer, promotional communications had gone out and fostering champions where in place
• Ofsted had noted that the foster carers spoke very positively about being carers under LCC.
• There was an increased complexity of needs coming into the service and tailored support was necessary alongside longevity of support for carers.
• The service had been impacted by the cost of living crisis and the need to  renumerate carers appropriately.
• In terms of benchmarking, the ratio of numbers of breakdowns compared well to national figures and numbers remained stable for placements.
• There were increasing numbers of sibling groups, sometimes large in number.
• A small number of foster carers were referred to LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer). For the vast majority no further action was taken. Three concerns were substantiated.

In response to member discussion, the following was noted:

• The proportion of children with three or more placement moves was 5%, the national benchmark was 11%. Some children required residential provision and that schooling considerations were important.
• Extra support layers had been created to deal with complex needs. Enhanced Foster Carers with at least 3 yrs experience working with complex needs and in receipt of additional training were engaged. Additional support came through agencies such as CAMHS. SEND needs might need more tuition.
• The CFST (Children and Family Support Team provided therapy to children displaying harmful sexual behaviour and other issues.
• Members were encouraged to attend the Celebrating Success events.

AGREED:

1)    That the report be noted.

2)    For members of CYPE and also Adult Social Care Scrutiny to be invited to the Celebrating Success events, including  ...  view the full minutes text for item 198.

The Strategic Director of Social Care and Education submits a report providing an update on performance in Children’s social care and information on monitoring and improving quality.

The Strategic Director for Social Care and Education gave a presentation to the Commission on the Children, Young People and Education Quarter 2 Performance from April to September 2025 and quality assurance.

The following was noted:

·       Data was presented up to September 2025, with it noted that the performance dashboard was currently under revision and would improve as it became more established.

·       Current areas of risk were outlined, including a rising number of children subject to child protection plans. It was emphasised that this reflected an increase in need rather than specific practice concerns, and benchmarking showed similar trends nationally.

·       An Independent Assessment had been undertaken to provide assurance that the position was not the result of local practice issues.

·       Workforce pressures were highlighted, including social worker vacancies and difficulty recruiting to 4 newly established posts.

·       Work had been undertaken across Overview Select Committee and Adult Social Care to reinvest available funding in order to support a wider overall workforce.

·       Positive performance was reported in several areas, including lower re referral rates within 12 months compared to neighbouring authorities.

·       The proportion of assessments completed within 45 working days was reported as 79 percent, with performance improving and recovery work ongoing.

·       Care plan completion rates were above average.

·       Education, Health and Care Plan completion performance was also noted.

·       Unregulated placements were reported as low, with 6 children currently placed in children’s homes without Ofsted registration, compared to a total of 520 children in care.

·       The quality assurance framework and national performance data were outlined, with an emphasis on providing boards with clear information to understand system position and trends.

·       Next steps for quality improvement were set out, including a review of underlying methodology to ensure learning activity was focused and effective.

·       A common methodology was being introduced to improve consistency, supported by a 6 month programme of work.

·       Team managers would be supported through reflective workbooks and 3 mandatory sessions to embed learning into practice.

·       Work on diversity and inclusion was outlined, including rolling out plans over the next 12 months, the establishment of a decision making forum, and the inclusion of staff with lived experience.

·       A maturity matrix had been issued to the workforce, with responses being used to inform future development.

·       Alignment with Local Government Association work and wider departmental activity was also noted.

In discussion with Members, the following was noted:

·       Members welcomed the update and thanked officers for the work undertaken.

·       Further discussion focused on the children’s services performance and analysis framework, which had originally been developed following Ofsted work several years ago and was now maintained on a rolling monthly basis. Members welcomed the use of measures that provided early warning of emerging themes and enabled links to be made between different parts of the system, including demand, safeguarding and service change

·       Members discussed demand trends, noting an increase from 309 to 485 within the analysis tool, with further increases anticipated once the latest data was available. It was recognised that the service was significantly busier  ...  view the full minutes text for item 199.

Members of the Commission will be asked to consider the work programme and make suggestions for additional items as it considers necessary.

Members of the Commission were invited to consider content of the work programme and were invited to make suggestions for additions as appropriate to be brought to future meetings.

There being no other business, the meeting closed at 8.10pm.