The Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission met on Monday 15 January 2024 to review the City & Hackney Safeguarding Children Partnership Annual Report and to hold a question and answer session with the Cabinet Member for Education, Young People and Children's Social Care. Key discussions included safeguarding risks, the impact of the cost of living crisis, and the school estates strategy.

City & Hackney Safeguarding Children Partnership Annual Report

The Commission reviewed the City & Hackney Safeguarding Children Partnership (CHSCP) Annual Report for 2022/23. Jim Gamble, Independent Commissioner for Child Safeguarding, presented the report, highlighting progress against key safeguarding priorities. Discussions covered the wellbeing of the local workforce, the need for greater engagement with housing providers and voluntary sector organisations, and the disappointing response from the police regarding institutional racism in the Child Q update report. The CHSCP's commitment to anti-racist policies and practice was noted, with a follow-up planned to assess tangible evidence of their application. The report also detailed the CHSCP's approach to engaging with children in their own environments and the national programme of 'getting the basics right' in safeguarding, which practitioners in Hackney felt needed adaptation to be more locally relevant. Concerns were raised about proposed government changes to remove Independent Chairs from local safeguarding partnerships, which the CHSCP believes would weaken accountability and independent challenge. The Commission agreed to write to the Department for Education outlining these concerns.

Key safeguarding risks and challenges identified for 2022/23 included the developing mental health crisis and the increased risk of faith-based hate crimes following the conflict in Palestine. The significant issue of families being placed in temporary accommodation due to a lack of social housing was discussed, with a focus on the potential heightened safeguarding risks for children in such situations. The CHSCP acknowledged the challenge of ensuring children's freedom of speech while also supporting them against radicalisation, particularly in relation to the conflict in Palestine. The cost of living crisis was identified as a significant pressure on local children and families, potentially leading to increased neglect, domestic violence, anxiety, and mental health issues. The partnership's response included working with families to access grants and resources, and maximising support from initiatives like the Mayor of London's extended free school meal provision. The report also addressed the ongoing work with local schools to adopt a safeguarding-first approach following the Child Q review, with positive engagement reported from most schools. Adultification training was being rolled out across partner agencies, with improved police attendance noted. The CHSCP's confidence in 'named organisations' being registered with them was discussed, alongside the need for wider engagement and potential for more radical steps if buy-in did not increase. The risks presented by mobile phones and social media for children were also a focus, with an emphasis on educating children to use technology responsibly. Finally, the report highlighted the acute pressures on the children's service workforce, including rising caseloads, increasing case complexity, and difficulties in recruitment and retention, which are common challenges across London authorities.

Cabinet Q & A

Deputy Mayor Anntoinette Bramble, Cabinet Member for Education, Young People and Children's Social Care, addressed the Commission on two key policy areas: Free School Meals (FSM) and Childhood Food Poverty, and the School Estates Strategy.

Free School Meals (FSM) and Childhood Food Poverty

The Commission received an update on the Local Authority's work to address childhood food poverty and support the extension of FSM. The Mayor of London's announcement to extend universal FSM provision for all primary school pupils to July 2025 was noted. The focus has shifted to ensuring the long-term sustainability of local schemes and the nutritional value of school meals. A Food Poverty Task Force has been instrumental in assessing local priorities and coordinating action plans. The Council has supported schools in adapting to increased demand for FSM, with a grant system established for schools to bid for funding aligned with the Task Force's recommendations. Discussions are ongoing London-wide regarding auto-enrolment procedures to ensure eligible families continue to apply for FSM, thereby maintaining vital Pupil Premium funding for schools. The Council is committed to supporting independent schools within the Charedi community and broader poverty reduction efforts, ensuring all children and families in need receive support, including those with no recourse to public funds. The challenge of providing FSM to secondary school pupils was acknowledged, with a recognition that children of this age may mask food poverty.

School Estates Strategy

The Commission discussed the School Estates Strategy and proposals to close or merge six primary schools in Hackney due to falling school rolls. The data indicates a significant surplus of school places (21%) projected to rise further, impacting school finances. The decision to close two primary schools and merge four others on two sites was taken to ensure the sustainability of the educational system. Transitional support for children, families, and staff at affected schools is being developed, with additional support for children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) or SEND support. The strategy aims to reduce surplus capacity from 21-22% to 17%, with ongoing work to further reduce this to the recommended 5-10% level. Preparatory work is underway with secondary schools to address anticipated falling rolls, including exploring options like becoming co-educational. The Council assured that there are no plans to sell off school sites.

Work Programme 2023/24

The Commission noted the updated work programme for the remainder of the municipal year. The rescheduled meeting lost due to the pre-election period will take place on May 22nd, 2024. The item on unregistered educational settings has been deferred to May 2024.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting

The minutes of the meetings held on 30th November 2023 and 18th December 2023 were noted and agreed. Actions arising from these meetings were also reviewed.

Any Other Business

The next meeting of the Commission was confirmed for 19th February 2024. The meeting concluded at 9:10 pm.