The Children's Scrutiny Panel of Middlesbrough Council is scheduled to consider several key issues at its upcoming meeting. These include an update on the impact of SEND reforms, a new scrutiny topic focusing on child poverty in schools, and a report on the recent Ofsted inspection of Children's Services.

Working with Schools on the Frontline of Child Poverty

A significant focus of the meeting is expected to be the introduction of a new scrutiny topic: Working with schools on the frontline of child poverty. The Corporate Director of Children's Services will be present to introduce this subject. The report pack indicates that the discussion will explore how poverty affects educational attainment, attendance, behaviour, school readiness, and the social and emotional well-being of children and young people in Middlesbrough. It is scheduled that the Panel will consider the information presented and determine the next steps for this review. The report highlights that Children from low-income households are more likely to experience lower academic attainment, food insecurity, reduced access to learning resources, poorer attendance, and higher levels of social and emotional challenges. ¹ The discussion is also expected to cover the support provided by schools, including poverty-proofing the school day, targeted interventions, and parental engagement.

Impact of SEND Reforms in Middlesbrough

The Panel is scheduled to receive an update on the latest position regarding the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) reforms and their impact within Middlesbrough. The Corporate Director of Children's Services will provide this information. The report pack outlines that the national SEND reform programme proposes significant changes to how education and SEND services are planned and delivered, with key themes including building an inclusive education system, improving early intervention, and rebalancing investment towards prevention and family support. It is recommended that the Panel notes the information provided.

Ofsted Update

An update on the recent Ofsted inspection of Middlesbrough's Children's Services is also scheduled for discussion. The Corporate Director of Children's Services will present this information, which will cover the inspection findings and the subsequent action plan. The inspection, which took place between 8 and 19 June 2026, judged the impact of leaders on social work practice, and the experiences and progress of children needing help and protection, children in care, and care leavers as Requires improvement to be good. ² The report details areas for improvement, including the quality of written records, the identification and support for young carers, and the quality of management supervision. The Panel is recommended to note the information provided.

Chair's OSB Update

Councillor Edward Clynch (Deputy Group Leader), in his role as Chair, is scheduled to provide a verbal update on matters considered at the meetings of the Overview and Scrutiny Board held on 29 July and 16 September 2026.

The meeting will also include the confirmation of the minutes from the previous Children's Scrutiny Panel meeting held on 27 July 2026.