Children and Young People's Scrutiny Panel

Scrutiny panels are established by the Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee and may:  

·       Assist the Council and the Cabinet in the development of its budget and policy framework by in-depth analysis of policy issues;

·       Review and scrutinise the decisions made by and performance of the Cabinet and Council officers both in relation to individual decisions and over time;

·       Review and scrutinise the performance of the Council in relation to its policy objectives, performance targets and/or particular service areas;

·       Question members of the Cabinet and chief officers about their decisions and performance, whether generally in comparison with service plans and targets over a period of time, or in relation to particular decisions, initiatives or projects;

·       Make recommendations to the Cabinet or relevant non executive Committee arising from the outcome of the scrutiny process;

·       Review and scrutinise the performance of other public bodies in the area and invite reports from them by requesting them to address the overview and scrutiny committee and local people about their activities and performance; and

·       Question and gather evidence from any person (with their consent).   Scrutiny Panels must refer their findings/recommendations to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for approval prior to referral to Cabinet or the Council as appropriate.   The areas covered by the Children and Young People’s Scrutiny Panel are as follows:  

·       Adoption and fostering

·       Early help

·       Early years and childcare

·       Looked after children and care leavers

·       Unaccompanied minors

·       Safeguarding children

·       Schools and education

·       Services for children with disabilities and additional needs

·       16-19 education

·       Youth services

·       Transitions (Joint with Adults & Health Scrutiny Panel)

·       Youth justice (Joint with Culture, Community Safety & Environment Scrutiny Panel)

·       Breakfast clubs

·       Free School Meals