The Children's and Culture Scrutiny Committee met to discuss several key issues, including updates to the Young Carers Scrutiny Review Action Plan, the Childcare Sufficiency in Lincolnshire, and the Children's Services Annual Statutory Complaints Report. The committee agreed to receive a second monitoring update on the Young Carers Scrutiny Review Action Plan in April 2026, and were assured on the Childcare Sufficiency Assessment for 2025 and the performance of children's services in relation to the annual statutory complaints report. Due to the inclusion of exempt information, the public and press were excluded from the discussion of education provision planning.

Young Carers Scrutiny Review Action Plan

The committee reviewed the first monitoring update of the action plan developed to implement the 12 recommendations from the young carers review undertaken in the previous council term. Hannah Pendleton, Head of Service, Boston and South Holland Locality, presented the report, highlighting the progress made in supporting young carers, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The plan focuses on destigmatising the role of young carers, early identification, and intervention. The council has implemented a communications plan targeting various sectors, including schools and military families.

Councillor K J Clarke asked about the assessment process for young carers, and the time it takes to complete. Hannah Pendleton clarified that the aim is for assessments to take no more than 35 days, with the young carer's voice being central to the process. She also confirmed that 88% of schools in Lincolnshire have a designated young carer lead.

Councillor B L T Robinson suggested using a web app and social media influencers to better reach young carers. Hannah Pendleton responded positively, agreeing to consider these suggestions.

Councillor R J Cleaver raised the issue of flagging young carers on GP records, and Hannah Pendleton agreed to take this suggestion to GP colleagues. Councillor C J Parkinson highlighted the need for bereavement support for young carers and support for those with parents experiencing substance misuse. Hannah Pendleton confirmed that bereavement support is available and that safeguarding procedures are in place for young people in families with substance misuse issues.

Councillor L Cawrey suggested that children's services should have the whole of the committee's time equally, and that culture services deserves more attention.

The committee was assured of the progress against the 12 recommendations from the young carers review and agreed to receive a second monitoring update in April 2026.

Childcare Sufficiency in Lincolnshire 2025

Nicky Myers, Head of Service – Early Years, and Sam Waite, Sustainability and Development Manager, presented the report on childcare sufficiency in Lincolnshire. The report set out the current childcare sufficiency position within Lincolnshire, and the findings of online sufficiency surveys with Ofsted¹ Registered Child Care Providers and Parents.

The report highlighted that 82% of parents said they had access to the childcare that they needed, an 18% increase on last year. The report also noted that South Holland District remains an area with some insufficient numbers of places.

Councillor R J Whitaker asked about the eligibility criteria for parents to access 30 hours of funded childcare weekly. Nicky Myers explained the criteria, including working at least 16 hours a week at the national minimum wage and not earning over £100,000.

Councillor C J Parkinson raised concerns about the number of parents eligible for the survey and the follow-up actions for those who reported unmet needs. Sam Waite explained the survey publicity methods and encouraged providers to promote the survey to parents.

Councillor B L T Robinson raised concerns about the projected increase of 42,000 new homes across the county by 2031 and the demand for early years places. Councillor L Cawrey asked about the impact of interventions on supporting families to access the requisite care, and the impact of additional SEND funding.

Councillor J Smith asked about childcare provision during the 14 weeks of the year when children are off and two-year-old funding is not in place.

Councillor C J Parkinson raised concerns about Section 106² funding and the ability to meet the demand for childcare services as the population grows. Martin Smith, Assistant Director for Children's Education, clarified that Section 106 is managed within the growth directorate.

Councillor S Grantham asked about the barriers to more parents taking up childcare hours and how to address this.

The committee was assured on the childcare sufficiency assessment for 2025.

Children's Services Annual Statutory Complaints Report 2024-2025

Carolyn Knight, Head of Service - Quality and Standards and Principal Social Worker, and Jo Kavanagh, Assistant Director – Early Years, presented the Children's Services Annual Statutory Complaints Report 2024-2025. The report addressed complaints related to children's social care.

Carolyn Knight explained the three stages of the complaints procedure: local resolution, independent investigation, and review panel. Complainants can approach the Local Government Ombudsman after the internal process concludes.

Councillor K J Clarke asked about the independent investigation stage, and Carolyn Knight clarified that external investigators are commissioned by the customer relations team.

Councillor M L Hume asked about training for staff, and Carolyn Knight explained the induction process and the rollout of a new initial checklist.

Councillor J Smith asked about the confidentiality of complaints made by children in care. Carolyn Knight clarified that it depends on the nature of the complaint, with confidentiality maintained within the child's immediate sphere.

Councillor S Grantham raised concerns about caseworkers not attending annual reviews for Education, Health and Care Plans (ECHP's). Martin Smith clarified that complaints related to ECHPs are handled through a different process, including mediation and formal appeals. He also noted the pressures on the SEND system and the high caseloads of caseworkers.

Councillor L Cawrey requested that the absolute numbers for reasons for upheld complaints be included in graphic form in future reports.

The committee reviewed the report and was assured of the performance of children's services in relation to the annual statutory complaints report 2024 to 2025.

Children's and Culture Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

Tracy Johnson, Senior Scrutiny Officer, presented the Children's and Culture Scrutiny Committee Work Programme.

Councillor L Cawrey expressed concerns about the balance of the meetings, suggesting that children's services should have the whole of the committee's time equally, and that culture services deserves more attention.

Councillor K J Clarke asked about the schools admissions policies and coordinated scheme item. Tracy Johnson explained that the coordinated scheme outlines how applications are considered for all schools within the county.

The committee approved the planned work program for 2025-26, subject to the consideration of any items highlighted in the day's discussion.

Consideration of Exempt Information

The committee moved to exclude members of the public and the press from the meeting for the consideration of agenda item 10, which involved a likely disclosure of exempt information. Councillor R J Cleaver expressed his regret that the discussion had to take place in private, arguing that the public has a right to know where money is being spent with schools.