The Education, Skills & Employment Scrutiny Committee convened to discuss and note the action tracker and work plan for the 2025/2026 municipal year. A key focus of the meeting was a report on Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND) services, including capacity, safeguarding, and post-16 skills partnerships, with the committee resolving to forward their feedback to the Cabinet Member and Directorate for consideration. Additionally, the committee appointed Gerard Preston from the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Liverpool as a statutory co-opted member.

SEND Services and Skills Programmes

The committee received a report providing an overview of the city's SEND services, including capacity, safeguarding measures, and post-16 skills partnerships. The report highlighted a steady increase in demand for SEND services and the number of children and young people with Education Health & Care Plans (EHCPs), which has created sustained funding challenges.

Key discussion points included:

• Demand and Funding: Members discussed the challenges posed by the increasing demand for SEND services and high needs funding. Officers clarified that high needs funding is consulted on through the Liverpool Schools Forum to receive input from schools on the number of places which are able to be supported. A central government review was underway until November 2025, potentially leading to changes in the funding model.
• Behavioural Intervention Service: In response to a query about the performance of the Behavioural Intervention service compared to other core cities, officers explained that the team was only established in September 2024 and that, as a non-statutory service, comparisons were difficult to make.
• Suspensions and Exclusions: The committee requested information on efforts to reduce suspensions and exclusions of SEND pupils. Officers stated that the Section 19 team works directly with schools to prevent these outcomes and hosts workshops to assist schools in keeping SEND children and young people in full-time education.
• Access to Education: Members discussed challenges influencing the ability of SEND pupils to access school, including transport. Officers mentioned ongoing collaboration with Merseytravel to ensure children and young people understand the public transport system before travelling independently. The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is also developing a Liverpool Curriculum, which will include travel education.
• Job Carving Scheme: The committee discussed the job carving scheme and the Intern to Work program, with members sharing positive experiences and inquiring about potential expansion. Officers indicated that Youth Guarantee Trailblazer funding would provide additional options for schemes to support SEND and non-SEND young people, including expanding existing programs.
• Support for Excluded Children: In response to a question about support for SEND children excluded from education or in elective home education, officers noted the existence of a government-funded SAFE task force to support high-risk young people in engaging with education. They also mentioned a project to review and potentially expand youth services provision, as well as upcoming proposals in the Children's Wellbeing & Schools Bill that would provide additional powers to local authorities.

The committee resolved to note the recommendations outlined in the report and forward their feedback to the Cabinet Member and Directorate for consideration.

Appointment of Statutory Co-Opted Members

The committee approved the appointment of Gerard Preston from the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Liverpool as a statutory co-opted member for the 2025/2026 municipal year. Mr Preston will serve as a faith schools' representative, with voting rights limited to education issues.

Work Plan and Action Tracker

The committee received and noted the Work Plan Action Tracker and Work Plan for the remainder of the 2025/2026 municipal year. These documents outline the committee's planned activities and priorities for the year, including upcoming reports and reviews.

Councillor John Prince declared a non-pecuniary interest due to his employment as a supply teacher, and Councillor Liz Parsons declared a non-pecuniary interest due to her employment in a children's centre.