Here is a summary of the scheduled discussions for the Children and Families Scrutiny Committee meeting on 5 November 2025. The agenda included discussion of a Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman report, the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) strategy, the Corporate Parenting Board annual report, the Safeguarding Children Partnership strategic plan, and the committee's scrutiny report. The committee was also expected to review action trackers and forward plans.

Safeguarding Children Partnership Strategic Plan

The committee was scheduled to discuss the Safeguarding Children Partnership Strategic Plan for 2025-28. The report pack included the Strategic Plan for 2025-28, the WFSCB Annual Report 2024-25 and a draft strategic plan for 2025-28. The strategic plan outlined how the Waltham Forest Safeguarding Children Partnership intended to improve multi-agency practice and outcomes for children and families. The four key pillars that support the role and responsibilities of the Safeguarding Partnerships are:

• Scrutiny and assurance
• Equitable safeguarding
• Impactful learning
• Commitment to collaboration

The strategic priorities for the Safeguarding Children Partnership were listed as:

• Neglect
• Risks outside the home
• Missing education
• Mental health
• Child sexual abuse
• Appropriate use of restrictive practices

The report pack stated that the committee was invited to offer recommendations to strengthen the plan and identify elements that may warrant future scrutiny.

SEND Strategy 2025-2028

The committee was scheduled to discuss the SEND Strategy Report and SEND Strategy. The Waltham Forest Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Strategy 2025–2028 sets out the council's vision and priorities for improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND. The report pack noted that the strategy was informed by engagement with families, education settings, health partners and the voluntary sector. The five key priorities of the strategy are:

• Early identification and intervention
• Strong communication and co-production
• Improving the quality of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
• Strengthening educational settings
• Ensuring smooth transitions into adulthood

The report pack stated that the committee was invited to note and approve the final version of the strategy, review the information within the report, ask questions and make recommendations.

Corporate Parenting Board Annual Report

The committee was scheduled to discuss the CPB Annual Report and CPB Strategy 2025 - 2026. The Corporate Parenting Board is responsible for overseeing the welfare and progress of children and young people in the care of the local authority. The five key areas that the Corporate Parenting Board prioritises are:

• Independence and Preparation for the Future
• Health and Wellbeing
• Identity and Belonging
• Education and Employment
• Safety and Stability

The report pack stated that the committee was invited to note the contents of the report, support the strategic priorities of the board, endorse the recommendations arising from feedback received from children and young people, note ongoing efforts to strengthen interagency collaboration and approve the publication of the report.

LGO Report and Management of Complaints

The committee was scheduled to discuss the LGSCO Report and Management of Complaints and Final LGO Report. In June 2025, the Local Government Ombudsman (LGO) investigated a complaint by Mrs X which identified that Mrs X's complaints had been raised previously but proper processes in relation to remedial actions and follow-up had not been followed. The LGO therefore recommended that the London Borough of Waltham Forest undertake a review of the way in which it managed complaints. The report pack stated that the committee was invited to note the improvement in the complaints processes and management and review the information within the report, ask questions and make recommendations.

The Scrutiny Report

The committee was scheduled to review the Scrutiny Report, including the Draft Forward Plan 25-26, Action Tracker and Recommendation Tracker. The committee was invited to review the draft forward plan for the 2025/26 municipal year and make recommendations as necessary. The committee was also invited to review and comment on the Action Tracker and Recommendation Tracker from the previous meetings.