The Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee of Bury Council met on Thursday 12 March 2026 to discuss updates on school transport, the Best Start Plan, and the Education and Inclusion Strategy. The committee also reviewed the Children's Improvement Plan and noted the council's exit from Ofsted intervention.

School Transport Update

The committee received an update on school transport and travel assistance. While the report was noted, no specific decisions were recorded. The agenda indicated that this item would be supported by Ben Dunne, Director for Education and Skills, and Nicola Hudson, Transport and Contracts Manager CYP.

Best Start Plan

An update on the Best Start Plan was presented to the committee. This plan is part of a wider £2.1 million investment into Family Hubs, with ambitious targets set by the Department for Education to improve outcomes at primary school level and achieve a nine-point increase in school readiness. A three-year plan has been developed, with delivery across five neighbourhoods. Contractors are on site at Chesham Fold, with hubs expected to open within the next couple of months. Services will include health and safety support for families, and early years sessions will be increased through four funding strands focused on learning, home learning, and parenting, alongside an expansion of Portage services.

Concerns were raised about limited space within existing buildings, which officers addressed by explaining the model's reliance on strong outreach and the use of community venues, preschool playgroups, and other local spaces. Councillor Ummrana Farooq asked about engagement with community groups, and Ben Dunne responded that co-design with schools and creativity in using existing spaces were key. Councillor Lynn Ryder queried a specific funding strand that had not been received, and it was confirmed that this issue was being considered at a Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) level. Councillor Jo Lancaster asked about advertising Family Hubs and ensuring clear communication, with Jeanette Richards explaining that midwives in the Radcliffe hubs were already helping to promote awareness. Councillor Ayesha Arif welcomed the service and support at Redvales and asked about sustainability, with Councillor L Smith responding that there was a clear intention to maintain the offer through a five-year plan. Joanne Burns asked about links with education, Portage, CAMHS, and paediatric services, and Ben Dunne added that joined-up working between nurseries, early years settings, and primary schools was central to meeting targets. The committee noted the update, with an action to clarify the funding strand not received and report back.

Improvement Plan Update

Councillor L Smith provided an overview of the Children's Improvement Plan, confirming that the council had officially received a letter confirming it is no longer under Ofsted intervention. Linda Evans, Director of Children's Social Care and Early Help, outlined that the plan is multi-agency and focuses on improving the quality of practice with children and families. It identifies seven key priority areas, including providing strong interventions, supporting care-experienced young people, strengthening relationships across agencies, and developing a stable workforce.

Councillor Shaheena Haroon asked about police attendance at Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) meetings, which Councillor Smith acknowledged as a key issue being addressed. Councillor Ciaron Boles questioned how attendance and engagement at the Strengthening Outcomes Board would be maintained, with Councillor Smith responding that the Department for Education continues to chair and provide oversight. Councillor Farooq asked about lessons learned from previous improvement plans, with Councillor Smith highlighting the focus on strengthening outcomes and addressing inconsistency in practice. Councillor Lancaster referred to Priority 6, asking about plans to incentivise staff retention, and Councillor Smith noted successes through the Corporate Parenting Board and improved in-work support. Linda Evans confirmed that Children's Social Care teams are now fully staffed and that consistency of social workers is a priority. Councillor Boles asked about training for social workers in relation to neglect, and Linda Evans explained that a training platform had been introduced with additional sessions held to increase uptake. The committee noted the update.

Education and Inclusion Strategy

Councillor Smith provided a brief overview of the Education and Inclusion Strategy, which aims to create a more joined-up system across schools and education. Ben Dunne expanded on the Let's Do It strategy, highlighting that 72% of schools are now academies, presenting both challenges and opportunities. The strategy is explicit about roles and responsibilities across primary and secondary education, transitions, and accountability. The Education Board will have oversight.

Councillor Haroon asked about measurable outcomes, with Ben Dunne responding that a delivery plan would set out how progress would be monitored. Councillor Smith added that listening to young people is essential. Councillor Arif asked about potential challenges arising from a complex education system, with Ben Dunne stating that the Education Board is central to managing this complexity. Joanne Burns raised concerns about children and young people feeling unsafe on public transport, and Ben Dunne acknowledged that attendance is affected by such factors. Councillor Arif asked if the strategy was inclusive of children who are electively home educated (EHE), and Ben Dunne confirmed it is, noting that engagement with families is essential. Councillor Boles raised questions about oversight of alternative provision and independent providers, with Ben Dunne explaining there is a focus on understanding funding spend and strengthening oversight. Jeanette Richards responded that eight change programmes are running across Children's Services, making a clear, outcome-focused plan and strong governance essential. The committee noted the update.

Minutes of Previous Meeting

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 7 January 2026 were approved as a correct and accurate record. Matters arising included an update on the SEND Transition Event, where work had been undertaken to strengthen communication pathways and improve awareness of available services, and the Local Offer had been updated to ensure information is more accessible.

Public Questions

Two members of the public asked questions. Kiera Delaney raised concerns regarding preparation for adulthood and asked for independent evidence that Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) were leading to better outcomes. Ben Dunne stated that progress had been made and that the SEND Partnership Board and SEND Improvement Assurance Board were providing oversight. Wendy Young highlighted that co-production remained an area for development, with a draft Coproduction Charter developed. Kiran Hampson asked about the publication of quarterly performance data and the lived experiences of children and young people. Ben Dunne advised that performance monitoring was being overseen through the KPI and Governance Sub-Group, and relevant performance datasets would be made publicly available. Councillor Walmsley expressed support for publishing performance information.

Appointment of Corporate Parenting Champion

The committee was advised that each committee is required to appoint a Corporate Parenting Champion. Councillor Ummrana Farooq and Councillor Elizabeth FitzGerald put their names forward for the position.

Capacity Report - Introduction to the Committee to Set the Landscape of Children's Services

The committee considered a report outlining the current national and local context for Children's Services. Officers advised that Children's Services are experiencing significant national reform, including changes to SEND, the Families First Partnership Programme, and children's social care delivery models. The Families First Partnership Programme will bring together several strands of work, with integrated Family Help Teams and Multi-Agency Child Protection Teams. Reforms to children's residential care will involve Greater Manchester operating as a pathfinder area for Regional Care Cooperatives.

Councillor John Southworth asked for clarification regarding the Families First Partnership Programme, with Robert Arrowsmith explaining the integrated team approach and local delivery. Councillor Martin queried staffing levels, vacancies, and savings targets, with Robert Arrowsmith advising that placement costs are a significant financial pressure. Councillor Julie Southworth highlighted the need to improve communication and engagement with parents. Councillor FitzGerald asked about the number of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) and the Council's approach, with Ben Dunne advising that early intervention remains critical. Councillor Farooq asked about officers' biggest concerns ahead of forthcoming inspections, with Wendy Young stating that maintaining improvements while delivering reform programmes is the key challenge. Ben Dunne added that inclusion remains the central principle underpinning the SEND reform journey. Councillor Duncalfe asked about systems to ensure standards within children's homes, with Robert Arrowsmith explaining that Ofsted is responsible for regulation. Councillor Boles questioned whether achieving the required culture change would prove difficult, with Ben Dunne acknowledging the complexity of organisational change. The committee noted the report and update. Actions were agreed for a future report on NEETs, further detail on the Families First Partnership Programme, and future monitoring of workforce capacity, caseloads, vacancies, and budgetary pressures.

Bury's Local Area SEND Monitoring Inspection

The committee received a report regarding the outcome of the Bury Local Area SEND Monitoring Inspection. Wendy Young provided an overview, explaining that improvements had been achieved across a number of areas, but one priority area remained a concern. Councillor Hunt noted the lack of specialist provision for young people aged 19 and over, with Wendy Young advising that work was underway to assess sufficiency and a SEND Sufficiency Plan was being developed. Councillor FitzGerald highlighted the importance of ensuring that actions identified through both the Children's and Health Scrutiny Committees were appropriately monitored. Councillor Boles sought clarification regarding transition data for children educated within alternative provision settings, with Wendy Young explaining that partnership working with headteachers had been strengthened. Councillor Boles also asked for an update on the tracking and completion of annual Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) reviews, with Wendy Young advising that compliance rates were improving. The committee noted the report. Actions included bringing the developing SEND Sufficiency Plan to a future meeting, continued monitoring of progress against the SEND Priority Action Plan, and ongoing oversight of actions arising from both scrutiny committees.

SEND Reform Plan

Members considered the report on the SEND Reform Plan. Ben Dunne outlined that the current SEND system is costly and requires significant reform, with changes representing a substantial cultural shift. The plan is centred on increasing inclusion and improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND through a graduated approach to support. The proposed Experts at Hand model would provide greater support to schools.

In response to questions from Councillor Southworth regarding communication with parents and carers, Ben Dunne acknowledged it remained a significant challenge and priority. Wendy Young added that improved communication across the partnership was essential. Councillor Sheppard asked what additional support from central government would assist delivery and requested information regarding the number of therapists and specialist professionals required. Ben Dunne advised that further information would be provided. Will Blandamer advised that NHS Greater Manchester was undertaking work to consider strategic opportunities around services such as speech and language therapy, highlighting workforce development as a key challenge. Councillor Sheppard also referred to the Exclusion Strategy and asked how the authority would respond where schools did not engage with the reforms, with Ben Dunne reporting that schools had generally engaged positively to date. Robert Arrowsmith commented that SEND reforms shared many of the challenges facing wider children's social care reforms. Councillor Martin requested further information regarding Education, Health and Care Plan numbers and future projections, with Ben Dunne advising he did not have the figures available. Councillor Martin also raised concerns regarding the complexity of an Early Years feedback form, with Wendy Young advising that the form was not mandatory. Councillor Hunt asked about potential challenges in securing commitment from Multi Academy Trusts, with Ben Dunne reporting that attendance and engagement levels had generally been positive. Councillor FitzGerald queried how expectations would be managed given the long-term nature of the reforms, with Ben Dunne stressing the importance of demonstrating commitment through action and improved communication. Joanne Burns highlighted the relationship between inclusion and school funding, questioning whether schools had sufficient resources. Robert Arrowsmith acknowledged that funding for programmes such as Experts at Hand was currently time limited. Councillor Boles sought assurance regarding the co-production of the SEND Reform Plan, with Ben Dunne stating that while engagement had taken place, he would have welcomed greater involvement. Councillor Walmsley advised that she had recently taken on responsibility for the portfolio and was continuing to familiarise herself with the issues. The committee noted the report and welcomed the proposed direction of travel, whilst emphasising the importance of communication with families, sufficient workforce capacity, sustainable funding arrangements, meaningful co-production and ongoing monitoring. Actions were agreed for officers to provide information regarding workforce requirements, circulate updated EHCP data and projections, and provide follow-up information regarding concerns raised about the Early Years feedback form.