The Together for Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the work programme for 2025-26 and to provide feedback on the Cornwall Joint SEND Commissioning Strategy and the Cornwall SEND Strategic Plan, recommending that the Cabinet approve both strategies, with the inclusion of an ambition to reach 100% compliance.

Cornwall Joint SEND Commissioning Strategy and Cornwall SEND Strategic Plan

The Committee recommended that the Cabinet approve both the Cornwall Joint SEND Commissioning Strategy and the Cornwall SEND Strategic Plan, subject to the inclusion of an ambition to reach 100% compliance with statutory timescales for Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). The Service Director for Education and Community Health presented the report, highlighting that both documents aim to improve outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including those with Education, Health and Care Plans (ECHP) up to the age of 25.

Key issues raised during the discussion included:

• Identification of SEND needs: Clarification was sought on when and how SEND needs are identified, with officers explaining that this typically occurs through health visitors, early years settings, schools, and parental referrals.
• Waiting times for support: Concerns were raised about the long waiting times for children with ADHD¹ and dyslexia² to receive support. Officers attributed this to a national shortage of educational psychologists and CAMHS³ nurses, as well as delays in speech and language therapy services, highlighting ongoing efforts to reduce waiting times.
• Education Health Care Plans (EHCP): Members discussed the timescales for EHCPs, with only 50% being completed within the statutory timeframe of 20 weeks. Officers noted that Cornwall was currently at 57% and that the Strategy was aiming to reach 100% compliance in the future to ensure legal compliance.
• Support for children awaiting assessment: The committee heard that early years teams and school staff provide support as part of waiting well strategies.
• Support for home-educated or excluded children: It was noted that excluded children were regularly monitored, but home-educated children were harder to track if they were not registered. However, a new Government Bill may require registration in the future.
• Geographical disparities: Gaps in provision, particularly in North and East Cornwall, were acknowledged. Officers stated that new provision, such as in Bodmin, was being developed, and the strategy would include assessing need to plan for future provision.
• Accessibility of transport: Efforts were being made to reduce travel distances to improve accessibility.
• Strategy funding: In light of a £25M overspend, it was noted that this was part of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), separate from the core Council budget, and that National reforms and possible fairer funding were awaited.
• Funding for new buildings and facilities: Some capital budget came from the Department for Education, but interim solutions were being utilised while permanent plans were being developed.
• Support for SEND pupils in mainstream schools: Increased funding, training, and support services were being provided. The White Paper was awaited to ascertain the national direction on inclusive education.

Councillor Johnson seconded by Councillor LaBorde proposed that Cabinet be recommended to approve both the Cornwall Joint SEND Commissioning Strategy and the Cornwall SEND Strategic Plan subject to the inclusion of an ambition to reach 100% compliance.

Work Programme 2025 - 2026

The Democratic and Governance Officer presented the draft work programme for the Together for Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee, which had been developed at an informal work programming session on 25 June 2025.

Key issues raised during discussions included:

• Kinship Care: A formal work programme suggestion form would need to be submitted, and the item provisionally scheduled for November 2025.
• Children's dental health: It was noted that this was within the remit of the Health and Adults' Overview and Scrutiny Committee due to a statutory requirement on Health colleagues to attend. The Committee raised concern at the lack of provision available and the importance of education, prevention and clarification on the provision for those in care.
• SEND Home to School Transport: Concern was raised with regard to the quality and safety of SEND young people. Wheelchair accessibility was also raised to support children travelling to school within friendship groups. It was noted the issue would be included within the Home to School Transport item
• Accessibility at school: Concern was expressed with regards to physical access to schools including the lack of dropped curbs. It was noted that a briefing paper would be prepared in the first instance.
• Best start in Life: The importance of early years was highlighted and a better understanding of government funded initiatives. It was noted that the item would be included within the work programme.
• Exclusions and suspensions: It was agreed to add this to the work programme.
• Belonging Framework: Following a request, it was agreed to add the Belonging Framework to the work programme.

The Strategic Director for Together for Families advised the Committee that it could request a briefing from senior officers at any time and that the work programme would be reviewed again in November.

Councillor Ball, seconded by Councillor Chopak, proposed that:

1. The draft Work Programme be approved, subject to the additions as set out in the minutes.
2. In accordance with the Overview and Scrutiny Protocol, prior to its next consideration by the Committee at mid year, amendments to the Committee Work Programme be determined by the Chairman of the Committee, in consultation with the Vice Chairman, the Senior Responsible Officer and the Democratic Services Lead, with any changes to be given effect by the Senior Responsible Officer and the Committee to be noted as soon as any changes were approved.

Questions from Members to Cabinet Member on Updates

The Cabinet Member for Together for Families expressed appreciation for the professionalism and commitment of the Together for Families team. She highlighted the Article 12 Celebration Day as a moving experience where young people articulated their concerns and hopes for the future and referenced the Lundy Model as used support children's rights and participation. She invited all Committee Members to attend a Youth Council meeting in order to witness the passion and engagement of young people in Cornwall.

The Chairman of the Health and Adult's Overview and Scrutiny Committee who was in attendance welcomed attendance of the Together for Families Committee at that committee in order to highlight issues relating to children and young people.