The Durham Family Panel is scheduled to convene on Friday 18 September 2026 to review updates on Ofsted inspections, discuss the progress of services for children in care and care leavers, and consider proposed changes to the Panel's Terms of Reference. The meeting will also include presentations on exam results and a report on the Care Leavers Annual Survey.

Ofsted Updates

The Panel is scheduled to receive updates regarding Ofsted's findings. This includes a report from the Interim Head of Children's Social Care on general Ofsted updates, and a more specific update concerning the Ofsted ILACS (Inspection of Local Authority Children's Services) inspection that took place on 15-16 May 2026. The report on the ILACS inspection details the local authority's arrangements for children in care, with a particular focus on the experiences and progress of children living in unregistered provision. The findings indicate that Durham County Council maintains a strong stance against the use of unregistered placements, employing them only in exceptional circumstances with intense scrutiny and oversight. The report highlights the council's commitment to developing appropriate specialist provisions to reduce reliance on such placements.

Children in Care and Care Leavers Services

A significant portion of the meeting is dedicated to reviewing the services provided to children in care and care leavers. The Panel is scheduled to receive the Care Leavers Service Update 2025-2026, which will outline the service's progress, achievements, challenges, and future priorities. This report, presented by Rachel Farnham, Corporate Director of Children and Young People's Services, aims to demonstrate how feedback from care leavers has influenced service development and to showcase outcomes achieved through service improvements.

Further insights into the experiences of care leavers will be provided through the Care Leavers Annual Survey Report. This report, presented by Jac Tyler, Interim Head of Children's Social Care, will detail the findings of the annual survey, highlighting areas of strength and identifying opportunities for service improvement. The survey focuses on key priorities within the Durham Family Strategy, such as young people feeling happy, healthy, and safe, having trusted adults, and feeling supported during times of change.

Similarly, the Children in Care Annual Survey 2026 Report will present the findings from the annual survey conducted with children currently in care. This report, also from Jac Tyler, will focus on how these young people view the support they receive, identifying positive aspects and areas for further development, aligning with the Durham Family Strategy's priorities.

The meeting will also feature a Proud Moments update from Strategic Managers, offering an opportunity to share positive stories and achievements from across Children and Young People's Services. Additionally, a presentation from the Young People representing the Children in Care Council is scheduled, providing direct insight into their experiences and perspectives.

Durham Family Panel Terms of Reference

The Panel is scheduled to review its own governance through a discussion of the Durham Family Panel Terms of Reference. This report, also from Jac Tyler, Interim Head of Children's Social Care, will present proposed changes to the Panel's Terms of Reference. These proposed changes include the removal of a specific responsibility related to participating in Regulation 44 visits and the removal of regular meetings with Service Direct representatives concerning children's homes. The report also suggests considering the allocation of a co-opted position to a representative with lived experience of the Future Hope service and invites consideration for representation from other organisations or groups. The review aims to ensure the Panel's work remains fit for purpose and continues to meet the needs of children in care.

Other Scheduled Discussions

The agenda also includes an update on exam results from the Virtual School Head Teacher, providing information on the academic achievements of children in care. In addition, there will be a discussion regarding any resolutions relating to the exclusion of the public during the discussion of items containing exempt information. Part B of the meeting, which is considered not open to the public, will include a Regulation 44 Visits Summary Report and an update on Agenda Items for Consideration at the Next Durham Family Panel Meeting.