The Scrutiny Committee - Children and Families met to discuss a number of important issues that affect children and families in Somerset. The most significant of these items were a report on the budget for children’s services, an update on the sufficiency of childcare places, and a presentation of the Children and Young People’s Plan 2024-30.

Children’s & Families Budget Monitoring – Quarter 2

A report on the projected overspend in the Children and Families budget was presented for discussion. The report, which covers the first two quarters of the 2024/25 financial year, forecasts an overspend of £8.755 million. This represents an increase of £1.243 million since the previous month’s report.

The report explains that the increase in pressure primarily stems from external placements. This projection factors in a trend forecast extending to the financial year's conclusion. It also states that:

The current reported forecast overspend for external placements as at the end of Quarter 2 is £14.467m, mitigated by £2.854m contingency budget – net overspend £11.613m an increase of £4.083m from Month 5.

Sufficiency Strategy

A presentation on the Sufficiency Strategy was included in the agenda.

The presentation explains that Somerset Council has a statutory duty to ensure a sufficient number of childcare places within its jurisdiction, as mandated by the Childcare Act 2006. This duty encompasses enabling parents to work or pursue training, providing free early years education for eligible young children, and conducting a triennial assessment of childcare sufficiency, accompanied by annual updates, and their publication in the prescribed format.

Additionally, it is noted that the Council bears the responsibility of ensuring adequate school places for children and young people residing in the county, as stipulated by the Education Act 1996.

The presentation highlighted a significant anticipated increase in demand for school places, especially in Taunton.

Children and Young People's Plan (CYPP) 2024 - 2030

A presentation on the Children and Young People's Plan (CYPP) 2024 - 2030 was included on the agenda.

The plan was developed following consultation with children and young people in Somerset, and identifies six key priorities:

• Having the best experience in education
• Leading healthy lives
• Good mental health and wellbeing
• Living in safe communities
• Building great relationships
• Well prepared for adulthood

In relation to the first priority, the report notes that:

Children and young people have asked that schools, colleges and education help students to feel more included and supported.

It also notes that children and young people are concerned about street safety:

Children and young people have told us that they want to live in safe communities where streets and parks feel safe at night.

LGSCO complaints directed to Somerset

Councillors were scheduled to receive a presentation on Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) complaints directed to Somerset.

Items for Information - Standing Item

A report was scheduled for discussion that lists recent publications and correspondence that the committee is notified of as a matter of routine. This included an update on the Youth Justice Plan Report.