The Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission met to discuss school admissions, the impact of COVID-19 on children and young people, and the council's response and recovery plan. Key decisions included the confirmation of satisfactory arrangements for school admissions for September 2020, with a focus on ensuring sufficient school capacity for future years. The commission also heard from Hackney Youth Parliament representatives about the challenges faced by young people during the pandemic, particularly concerning education, mental health, and communication with the council.

School Admissions Update

The Commission received an update on school admissions for September 2020. Marion, Head of Admissions and School Place Planning, reported that nearly all parents now apply online for reception and secondary school places. For reception, there was a 50% increase in applicants compared to the previous year, with 93.6% of parents expressing a first preference for a Hackney school. For secondary transfer, 87% of parents selected a Hackney school as their first preference. The council is meeting parental preferences for the top three choices at the London average.

Concerns were raised by Councillor Sharon Patrick and Councillor Clare Potter regarding SEN pupils who did not receive their first choice of school and the process for those awaiting specialist places. Councillor Potter also questioned the rationale behind Mandeville School's reduced numbers and why children not offered places at other schools were not being directed there. Marion explained that Mandeville School currently has a temporary published admission number (PAN) of 45, with a confirmed PAN of 60, and that temporary caps are agreed with schools for budgeting purposes. She also noted that historical postcode data for E5 showed a high number of children not receiving their first preference, but that this was also influenced by factors such as catchment areas and the availability of faith schools.

The Commission also discussed the strategic analysis of oversubscribed and undersubscribed schools, with Marion explaining that patterns tend to remain consistent year-on-year. She highlighted that most secondary schools are full, and parents are generally satisfied with their second, third, or fourth preferences. For primary schools with vacancies, she acknowledged that increasing numbers is complex and involves various factors. The council actively engages with parents through year five meetings to raise awareness of school offerings, citing Our Lady's Convent as an example where increased applications followed clarification that the school welcomed all faiths.

COVID-19 Response and Recovery Plan

The Commission focused on the impact of COVID-19 on children and young people's mental health and emotional wellbeing, hearing from representatives of the Hackney Youth Parliament. Ernell Watson, a member of the Hackney Youth Parliament, expressed disappointment with the lack of communication and information shared with young people, highlighting that those meant to support them were not always responsive. He stressed the importance of direct communication with young people about decisions affecting their future.

Another Youth Parliament representative, aged 16, spoke about the challenges with engagement and access to education during lockdown. They noted inconsistencies in how schools handled communication, with some students unable to email teachers due to safeguarding policies. This led to academic anxiety and disengagement, with some students feeling disorientated by work that was not always relevant to their course of study. Concerns were raised about how schools would support students who had fallen behind and protect their academic futures and mental health.

Raven Walters highlighted the lack of consistent communication from schools, with some only contacting students once or twice a week. She also pointed out the digital divide, where some students lacked access to laptops or computers for online learning, and the potential embarrassment of admitting this. The issue of free school meal vouchers and continued support for eligible students was also raised.

Shuja Shaikh expressed concerns about GCSE results, fearing that students of colour might be negatively impacted by systematic racism and bias in grading. He questioned how issues of bias could be addressed when it was sometimes referred to as subjectivity by senior council members.

Aliyah, also from the Hackney Youth Parliament, stated that the views expressed were reflective of many young people in Hackney. She echoed concerns about the lack of engagement and accessibility to online learning, leading to feelings of being stranded. She also shared a personal experience of receiving a distressing and racist message from a teacher, highlighting a lack of clear channels for reporting such incidents, despite the existence of a hotline. She emphasised that young people feel their voices are not being fully utilised by the council.

Annie, from Hackney Learning Trust, addressed some of the concerns raised. She stated that schools are advised to contact every young person once a week, with more vulnerable children contacted more often. She acknowledged the challenges faced by families without laptops and confirmed that schools have distributed paper copies and loaned laptops where possible. A government scheme for laptops for children with social workers and Year 10 students eligible for free school meals is expected. Annie also confirmed that children entitled to free school meals should continue to receive vouchers unless they are receiving meals at school. Regarding predicted grades, she stated that guidance has been issued to schools to minimise bias in teacher assessments.

Councillor Margaret Gordon raised concerns about the impact of the pandemic on vulnerable children, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities, and the resources required to support them. She also suggested exploring opportunities to utilise furloughed community members in schools. Councillor James Peters inquired about the progress of the government's laptop scheme. Katie Hanson, from Hackney Learning Trust, responded that schools are aware of the widening gap and are working to address it, but that significant catch-up will require substantial resources, including tutoring. She confirmed that laptops for children with social workers are expected within the next five to six working days.

Clare Potter Conway highlighted concerns about the drop in referrals to mental health services, with an estimated 50% reduction compared to the previous year. She noted that while core services are operational, the shift to online engagement may have led to some young people disengaging. Amy, from CAMHS, confirmed that while data on dropped referrals is not yet available, services are actively contacting families and encouraging referrals. She also mentioned an extended bereavement offer for children and families.

Councillor Peters raised concerns about planning for a potential second wave of COVID-19. Graham Hunter asked about mapping the fall-off of children who previously engaged with CAMHS services and the circumstances of those who disengaged. Councillor Potter questioned the consistency of schools' communication with young people and the effectiveness of their approach to identifying mental health needs. Amy confirmed that CAMHS workers are providing support to schools, including consultations with teachers and online parent meetings, but acknowledged that the role of CAMHS workers is not to dictate schools' communication policies.

The Commission discussed the work programme, acknowledging the need to prioritise COVID-19 response and recovery, and the importance of incorporating the views of stakeholders, including youth parliament representatives, parents, and charities. The minutes from the previous meeting were agreed. The date of the next meeting was set for 13 July.