Decision

1. 1

The Committee considered a report which recommended that the Education, Children and Families Policy Committee approve and formally adopt the Community Parenting Strategy for Children Looked After and Care Leavers 2026–2029. The strategy provided a clear, whole-city framework for improving outcomes for children looked after and care leavers, strengthening Sheffield’s shared responsibility to help every care-experienced child and young person feel safe, loved, listened to, able to belong and supported to build a successful future.

1. 2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That Education, Children and Families Policy Committee:-

a)    .Approve and formally adopt the Community Parenting Strategy for Children Looked After and Care Leavers 2026–2029.

b)    Endorse the five strategic priorities set out in the strategy and to agree that the delivery is taken forward through an annual Community Parenting business plan.

c)    Note that progress will be overseen through the Community Parenting Board and informed by children and young people’s voices, Bright Spots findings, performance data, audit and feedback.

d)    Agree that regular progress updates will be provided through existing governance and scrutiny arrangements, including the Young People’s Reverse Scrutiny Panel and relevant committee reporting.

1. 3

Reasons for Decision

1. 3.1

The strategy provided a clear, current and child-centred framework for Sheffield’s responsibilities to children looked after and care leavers for 2026 2029. It places children and young people’s voices at the centre and strengthens the focus on belonging, relationships, rights, wellbeing, opportunity and support for carers and workers.

1. 3.2

Approval would enable Sheffield City Council and partners to move into implementation through a clear annual business plan, with oversight through the Community Parenting Board and accountability to children, young people, Members and partners.

1. 4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

1. 4.1

Alternative Option 1: Do not adopt a refreshed strategy This option would mean continuing without an updated strategic framework for 2026–2029. This was rejected because it would reduce clarity about Sheffield’s shared ambitions, priorities and accountability arrangements for children looked after and care leavers. It would also miss the opportunity to reflect current children and young people’s feedback, Bright Spots findings, national reform, the Council Plan and the updated local context.

1. 4.2

Alternative Option 2: Maintain the previous strategy without significant refresh This option would involve extending or lightly updating the previous strategy. This was rejected because the 2026–2029 strategy needs to reflect current priorities, language, legislation, local developments and the most recent feedback from children and young people. A light-touch update would not provide the same level of clarity, ownership or accountability for delivery.

1. 4.3

Alternative Option 3: Produce a Council-only strategy This option would focus only on the Council’s own services. This was rejected because effective Community Parenting requires a whole-city approach. Children looked after and care leavers need support from a wide range of partners, including carers, schools, health, housing, voluntary and community organisations, local businesses and communities. A Council only strategy would be less ambitious and would not fully reflect the shared responsibility needed to improve outcomes.