The Children and Education Sub-Committee of Tower Hamlets Council met on Tuesday 11 August 2020 to discuss the financial pressures facing children's services and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education and safeguarding. Key decisions included acknowledging the significant overspend in children's services due to COVID-19 and agreeing to continue efforts to secure further government relief. The committee also discussed the ongoing restructuring of services and the importance of partnership working to address the challenges ahead.

Financial Pressures and COVID-19 Impact on Children's Services

The committee received a report detailing the significant financial pressures on children's services, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Councillor Danny Hassell, Lead Member for Children's Services, explained that while pressures in areas like Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and children's social care were already present, the pandemic had intensified these. James Thomas, Director of Children's Services, presented the findings, highlighting a £5.2 million overspend across his directorate in the first quarter, with £4 million directly attributed to COVID-19 impacts. This overspend was primarily driven by increased demand for housing and subsistence support for families with no recourse to public funds, increased direct payments for children with SEND, and pressures on contract services, particularly cleaning and catering for schools. A further £4 million overspend was forecast for the direct schools grant, a longstanding issue related to the underfunding of SEND services.

The committee discussed the loss of income for the council and the delay to planned transformation activities aimed at delivering efficiencies and savings. Councillor Andrew Wood sought clarification on whether the £5.2 million overspend was a quarter one figure or a full-year forecast, and was informed it was a full-year projection based on quarter one data. He also enquired about the duration of the pause on restructuring plans, with officers confirming that all planned restructures had resumed.

Councillor Ahmed Hussain raised concerns about increased spending on direct payments, questioning how this was occurring while people were staying home. Mr. Thomas explained that this forecast increase was for the latter part of the year, anticipating a spike in demand in the autumn as children returned to school and direct services resumed. He also clarified that the £4 million in government relief received was a share of a single grant, calculated based on identified COVID-related pressures, and that lobbying for further government relief was ongoing.

Dr. Phillip Rice questioned the overspend on cleaning and catering, asking if this could be reclaimed from central government. It was confirmed that a substantial portion was covered by the COVID claim, but not all, and that efforts to secure full reimbursement were continuing. Councillor Kyrsten Perry highlighted the significant mental health impact of COVID-19 and expressed concern about the availability of funding to address these issues. Mr. Thomas emphasised the need for a partnership approach to mental health, involving the CCG, primary healthcare, schools, and the voluntary and community sector, advocating for peer support.

Education and SEND Provision

Christine McGuinness, Executive Director of Education and Early Years, and Tracy Smith, Executive Director of FEPP (Family Early Help and Prevention), presented an update on education and SEND provision. They highlighted the remarkable response of schools during the pandemic, with most remaining open for key worker and vulnerable children. The committee was informed that schools had provided online learning, physical packs, and established food banks, demonstrating their role as community hubs.

The cancellation of SATs, GCSEs, and A-levels was noted, with results being calculated based on teacher assessment and historical data. The phased reopening of schools from June onwards was discussed, with a focus on supporting reception, Year 1, and Year 6 pupils, and providing some face-to-face contact for Years 10 and 12. The council had adopted a broader definition of vulnerable children, with various teams actively contacting these families.

Concerns were raised about the digital divide and the potential for educational disadvantage, with emphasis placed on the importance of children being in the classroom with a good quality teacher. A significant communication campaign was planned to reassure parents about school safety for the September reopening. The committee heard that schools had implemented various risk mitigation measures, including enhanced cleaning, personal hygiene, teaching bubbles, and the use of outdoor spaces. A reported infection of two pupils at a primary school was managed effectively, with the year group closing temporarily and the situation contained.

The provision for children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) continued throughout the crisis, with SEND panels meeting remotely. Special schools like Phoenix remained open, while Bowden House temporarily closed before reopening. Alternative provision also remained open, with a significant amount of online learning. The committee was informed about the work of a bronze group focusing on medically vulnerable and shielding children, and the broader consideration of social vulnerability and the impact of the virus on family employment and incomes.

Councillor Helal Uddin raised concerns about communication with parents regarding school safety and the lessons learned from the partial reopening. He also questioned the capacity of schools to accommodate pupils if social distancing measures were to be maintained and suggested the possibility of shift sessions. Christine McGuinness clarified that government guidance for September indicated that social distancing would not apply in schools, with classes operating as bubbles. She assured the committee that sufficient space was available and that headteachers had not raised concerns about staff capacity.

Councillor Ahmed Hussain commended the communication from his school's headteacher, Mr. Tom Foster, but acknowledged the potential digital divide for some parents. He also raised questions about school capacity in September and the potential impact on obesity due to reduced physical activity. It was confirmed that work was underway with public health colleagues to address the obesity strategy from September.

Dr. Phillip Rice praised the comprehensive report and presentations but stressed the urgency of recovering any lost educational gains. He also highlighted the importance of supporting the emotional and well-being of school leaders, noting the virtual coffee mornings as a positive initiative. He enquired about the inclusion of school governors in the qualitative evaluation, which was confirmed.

Councillor Mohammed Pappu raised concerns about the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities and those less well-off, and enquired about equality impact assessments for proposed cuts. It was stated that this would be a primary focus of the newly established COVID-19 task force, which would also consider the public health report on the differential impact of the virus.

Restructuring and Future Meetings

The committee discussed the ongoing restructuring of services, including the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) team and the Specialised Learning Support (SLS) service. It was noted that the budget position necessitated service reductions, with the consultation for the SLS restructure due to begin in mid-September. Councillor Pappu expressed concern about the potential loss of vital services due to these restructures and enquired about learning from the pandemic that could inform these decisions. It was acknowledged that the council's financial reality meant service reductions were unavoidable.

Several members expressed concerns about the infrequency of committee meetings, particularly given the critical issues being discussed in the context of the pandemic. Councillor Andrew Wood and Dr. Phillip Rice both suggested that the committee needed to meet more often to effectively scrutinise the council's work. Councillor Gabriela Salva Macallan, Chair of the committee, acknowledged these concerns and agreed to discuss the possibility of more frequent meetings and specific challenge sessions on areas like SEND and cyberbullying with relevant officers. The committee also noted that a planned challenge session on cyberbullying had been postponed due to COVID-19 and could be revisited.

The committee also noted that they had not met since February 26th, and that the current meeting was long overdue. Concerns were raised about the lack of a mechanism for the Vice Chair to fully participate in overview and scrutiny, and the committee's limited engagement with the work of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. The provision of food and SEND services were highlighted as areas that could have benefited from more in-depth discussion.

The meeting concluded with thanks to the officers and staff for their efforts during the pandemic.