The Education, Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission met to discuss education place planning, youth empowerment, and community safety, agreeing to note reports on each topic. Councillors raised concerns about school closures, support for pupils with special educational needs, and the impact of poverty on young people.

Here's a more detailed look at the key discussion points:

• Education Place Planning
• Youth Empowerment and Participation
• Youth Safety, Justice and Risks in the Community
• Work Programme

Education Place Planning

The commission reviewed education place planning in Newham, focusing on declining pupil numbers and its impact on schools. Councillor Sarah Ruiz, Cabinet Member for Children Services and Education, introduced the report, highlighting a projected 4% decrease in primary pupil numbers by 2029. This decline is attributed to falling birth rates and outward migration.

Key points discussed:

• Calverton Primary School: The proposed closure of Calverton Primary School, due to an unrecoverable deficit of £1.1 million, was a major concern. The deficit is linked to falling pupil numbers and a disproportionate number of pupils with special educational needs (SEND). Councillors discussed the timeline for the closure, with a final decision expected in December and closure planned for August 2026, if approved.
• SEND Funding: Several councillors, including Councillor Jane Lofthouse, raised concerns about inadequate funding for SEND pupils, particularly those without an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Annabelle Bates, Director of Education and Inclusion, acknowledged this as a national challenge.
• School Mergers: The potential merger of Odessa Infant School with St James' Junior School was discussed as a way to address budget deficits. A consultation is planned, with a final decision expected in the spring term.
• Admission of Migrant Children: Councillor Shantu Ferdous asked about strategies for timely placement of migrant children. Peter Gibb, Assistant Director, explained the pan-London process for school admissions and the support provided to families new to the borough.
• Pan Reductions: The local authority will use an expression of interest process to decide which schools should have Published Admission Number (PAN) reductions.

Youth Empowerment and Participation

The commission considered a report on youth empowerment and participation, focusing on how young people's voices inform local decision-making.

Key topics:

• Youth Scrutiny Committee: Councillor Shantu Ferdous inquired about the establishment of a borough-wide young people's scrutiny committee, as recommended in the report.
• Care Leavers: Councillor Jane Lofthouse questioned the feasibility of achieving a 90% target for care leavers having passports within six months, highlighting potential resource constraints.
• Work Experience: Councillors discussed plans to enhance work experience and training opportunities for young people, including those with SEND.

Dave Tapsell, Director of Clinical Practice, explained that the council is working with external partners to provide access to work experience and training programmes.

Youth Safety, Justice and Risks in the Community

The commission reviewed the system for supporting young people at risk of harm, including the Youth Safety Strategy and Youth Justice Plan.

Key discussion points:

• Knife Crime: Councillors expressed concern about the increasing number of Asian boys carrying knives.
• Poverty and Inequality: Councillor Mariam Dawood asked about the relationship between wealth inequality and exposure to violence among young people.
• School Liaison Officers: Councillor Jane Lofthouse raised concerns about potential cuts to school liaison officer positions.
• Alternative Provision: The commission discussed the implementation of a three-tier approach to alternative provision, as outlined in the report.

Work Programme

The commission agreed to note the report and agreed that the next meeting would be held on 18 December 2025.

Councillor Maureen Ruiz declared a non-pecuniary interest in the Youth Empowerment and Participation Report, as she had organised the Our Generation, Our Vote initiative mentioned in the report during her time at Safer Children.

Ellen Kemp, representing the diocese, confirmed that she would stay on as a co-opted member of the commission until a replacement is found.

Councillor Jane Lofthouse was appointed as the deputy chair for 2025-26.

The minutes of the previous meetings held in April 2025 were approved as a correct record.