The Children, Young People and Education Scrutiny Commission is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 8 September 2026 to discuss a range of important updates and plans concerning children's services. Key topics include the progress of Leicester City Council's SEND Reform Plan, an update on social care and education performance, and the outcomes of an Ofsted focused visit on leaving care services.

Update on the Local SEND Reform Plan

A significant item on the agenda is an update on Leicester City Council's Local SEND Reform Plan. This plan, submitted to the Department for Education (DfE) in June 2026, outlines how the local area partnership, led by Leicester City Council and the Integrated Care Board (ICB), intends to transform services for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) over the next three years. The report details a shift towards earlier intervention, greater inclusion in mainstream settings, and improved access to specialist expertise through initiatives like the Experts at Hand model and an expanded city-wide Universal Offer. The plan has been developed through extensive co-production with children, young people, families, schools, colleges, and health partners. The report also highlights the financial context, noting that approval of the plan by the DfE is a condition for receiving the High Needs Stability Grant, which is crucial for the Council's medium-term financial strategy. The Year 1 investment allocation for the 'Experts at Hand' programme is £3,235,824.

Social Care and Education Performance

The Commission will receive a presentation providing an update on performance in social care and education for Quarter 1 of 2026/27 (April to June). This report will cover priorities and performance ambitions for the period, including information on monitoring and improving quality across these vital services. The presentation will likely detail progress against key performance indicators and any challenges encountered.

Ofsted Focused Visit on Leaving Care

An update will be provided following a two-day Ofsted Focused visit to the council's children's services Leaving Care Team, which took place on 17 and 18 March 2026. The report summarises the findings of this visit, highlighting both strengths in the services provided to care leavers and identifying recommendations for further improvements. The Commission is invited to note the progress made in response to these recommendations and to consider the further development of an overarching strategic plan for care leavers.

Leicester Children's Services Self-Evaluation

The Commission will be informed about Leicester Children's Services' annual Self-Evaluation Form (SEF), a requirement under the Inspection of Local Authority Children's Services (ILACS) framework. This SEF provides an assessment of the quality, impact, and effectiveness of services for children, young people, and families, and informs the Annual Engagement Meeting with Ofsted. The report highlights Leicester's strengths in leadership, partnership working, workforce development, participation, and reform activity, while also acknowledging areas requiring further improvement. The Commission is asked to note the latest SEF and endorse ongoing inspection preparedness activities.

Youth Justice Plan Update

An update on year one of the five-year Youth Justice Plan 2025-30 will be presented, highlighting strategic and operational priorities. This plan sets out how youth justice services in Leicester are to be provided and funded, and how the Children and Young People's Justice Service (CYPJS) will operate. The report details progress made, new and emerging priorities, and addresses key areas such as reducing first-time entrants into the youth justice system, re-offending rates, custody rates, and support for education, training, and employment for young people. The plan also incorporates new government guidance on knife crime and explores online harm and the connectivity with the National Youth Strategy.

Work Programme

Members of the Commission will have the opportunity to consider the existing work programme and suggest any additional items they deem necessary for future discussion.

The meeting is scheduled to take place at 5:30 pm in Meeting Room G.01, Ground Floor, City Hall, 115 Charles Street, Leicester, LE1 1FZ.