The Hounslow Council Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel met to review notes from their previous meeting, receive a presentation from the Family Support Area Manager, and discuss potential site visits. The panel was also scheduled to discuss next steps in their ongoing work.

Families First Programme

Jennifer Hopper, the Family Support Area Manager, was scheduled to give a presentation on the Families First Programme (FFP). The programme intends to shift away from high state intervention and move towards earlier community-based support.

According to the report pack, the programme follows a national review into children's social care under the last Conservative government. A delivery plan has been submitted to the Department for Education (DfE). The programme is funded nationally with £523 million, with Hounslow receiving approximately £1.3 million, which includes existing resources.

The report pack notes the following key messages of the programme:

• A focus on prevention and family preservation.
• Engaging family networks from day one, rather than at the point of potential removal.
• Anticipated outcomes are unclear, though the expectation is that fewer children will enter care.
• The DfE expects organisational changes, delivered in partnership, with consistent cross-agency programmes.

The report pack also notes that Hounslow already has a strong emphasis on early intervention, and existing work with partners through CAT meetings¹, DSL panels², domestic abuse SW meetings, and early help initiatives. It also mentions Family Hubs³ and initiatives like the 50 Things to Do Before You're 5 app.

The report pack also acknowledges challenges such as a lack of clarity from the DfE on outcomes, limited new resources, the need to bring partners along, and issues such as poor-quality parenting, intergenerational cycles of care, financial pressures, and school attendance.

Site Visits and Engagement

The panel was scheduled to discuss potential locations and groups to consult with for site visits. At the previous meeting, Councillor Emma Siddhu, Chair of the Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel, suggested site visits and asked members and co-optees for thoughts on possible locations/groups to consult with.

Suggestions raised at the previous meeting included Family Hubs, parent panels, community groups, faith organisations, and coffee mornings with schools. An officer encouraged direct engagement with parents (not staff), and use of councillors' community connections.

Notes of the Previous Meeting

The panel was scheduled to review the notes from the meeting held on 23 September 2025⁴.