The Children and Education Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday 22 June 2026 to review a range of reports concerning children's services and education in Barnet. Key discussions are expected to cover youth participation initiatives, financial performance of children and families services, updates on service delivery, progress of task and finish groups, and the council's forward plan.

My Say Matters Youth and Democracy Report

The Sub-Committee is scheduled to consider the My Say Matters Youth and Democracy Report for April 2025 to March 2026. This report details the council's universal youth and democracy offer to young people aged 11-18, as part of the My Say Matters Child Participation and Family Involvement Strategy Public reports pack 22nd-Jun-2026 19.00 Children and Education Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee.pdf. The strategy aims to consult young residents and involve them in co-producing policy and services. The report will provide an account of activities, including the UK Youth Parliament, Barnet Youth Ambassador programmes, the Youth Assembly, and the Youth Board, with demographic details, expressed views, and the impact of youth involvement. The recommendations include scrutinising the report and noting the benefits of civic participation for young people, continuing the council's openness to those under 18 in accessing elected members, the Town Hall, and council officers. The report highlights how this initiative supports Barnet's Corporate Plan objectives, particularly in Caring for People, Places and Planet and being an Engaged and Effective Council.

Children and Families Quarterly Financial Report

A review of the Children and Families Quarterly Financial Report 2025-26 Financial Outturn & Budget Management is scheduled. This report summarises the council's financial and capital outturn for the financial year ending 31 March 2026 Public reports pack 22nd-Jun-2026 19.00 Children and Education Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee.pdf. The Sub-Committee is requested to consider the financial outturn for Children and Family Services and identify any areas for in-depth scrutiny or referral to the Cabinet. The report indicates an overall underspend for the council, with Children and Family Services showing a slight overspend against budget. Key areas of overspend include Corporate Parenting & Disability, particularly in Children with Disabilities (CWD) and placements, while Help and Protection shows an underspend. The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) outturn is also detailed, highlighting pressures in the High Needs Block.

Children and Family Services Quarterly Update

The Sub-Committee will receive a quarterly update on key activities within Children and Family Services. This update will cover significant reforms introduced by The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 Public reports pack 22nd-Jun-2026 19.00 Children and Education Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee.pdf, which aims to reform children's social care, safeguarding, and education. The report will detail the progress of the Families First programme, which aligns with the Act's pillars of Family Help, Family Group Decision Making, Multi-Agency Child Protection Teams, and strengthened Multi-Agency Safeguarding Arrangements. Updates will also be provided on the Barnet SEND Reform Plan, outlining the borough's approach to national reforms for 2026-2029, and a Pupil Place Planning Update, addressing the sustained decline in pupil numbers and its implications for school provision. Performance data for Initial Contact & Referrals, Early Help, Keeping Children Safe, Corporate Parenting, and Placements will also be presented.

Task and Finish Group Updates

An update on the progress of various Task and Finish Groups will be presented to the Sub-Committee. These groups undertake in-depth reviews of specific issues. The report outlines the scope, membership, and progress of groups such as Allotment Management and Governance, Food Security, Fostering, and Sustainable Travel Public reports pack 22nd-Jun-2026 19.00 Children and Education Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee.pdf. Updates on newly formed groups, including Fast Food, Young Carers, Flats above shops (flash), and Emotionally Based School Avoidance, will also be provided. The Sub-Committee is asked to note the progress of these groups.

Cabinet Forward Plan (Key Decision Schedule)

The Sub-Committee will review the Cabinet Forward Plan for 2026 Public reports pack 22nd-Jun-2026 19.00 Children and Education Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee.pdf. This plan outlines upcoming Key Decisions that the Cabinet proposes to take. The Sub-Committee will consider if there are any items they wish to request for pre-decision scrutiny during 2026, which would then be incorporated into the committee's work programme. The definition of a Key Decision is provided, relating to significant expenditure or impact on wards. The plan lists several key decisions scheduled for June and July 2026, including reports on Administration Priorities, Financial Outturn, the Corporate Plan, Supplementary Planning Documents, the Youth Strategy, Barnet Homes Delivery Plan, and various regeneration and leisure centre projects.

Children and Education Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee Work Programme

A draft Work Programme for the Children and Education Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee for 2026-27 will be presented for comment Public reports pack 22nd-Jun-2026 19.00 Children and Education Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee.pdf. The work programme is developed with input from councillors, officers, the public, community groups, and the voluntary sector, aiming to reflect council priorities and address issues where scrutiny can add value. The proposed programme includes regular updates on My Say Matters, Family Services, financial reports, Task and Finish Group activities, and the Cabinet Forward Plan. It also schedules reviews of specific areas such as Regional Care Cooperatives, SEND implementation, Children's Services complaints, Education Standards, and the Youth Justice Plan.