The Merton Council Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Panel met on 25 November 2025 to discuss a range of topics, including budget and business planning, performance monitoring, and updates on children's services. The panel also planned to review the annual reports from both the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) and the Merton Safeguarding Children Partnership (MSCP). Additionally, they were scheduled to discuss special educational needs (SEN) student travel and the 0-19 Healthy Child service.

Budget and Business Planning

The panel was scheduled to discuss the Budget 2026/27 and Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) 2026-30. The report pack included draft savings proposals and associated draft equalities analyses, which the panel was asked to consider. The Overview and Scrutiny Committee was expected to consider the comments of the panels and provide a response to the cabinet when it meets on 15 December 2025.

The report noted that the cabinet had agreed to new savings proposals for 2026/27 to 2029/30, and referred them to the Overview and Scrutiny panels and Committee for consideration and comment. The report also stated that the cabinet had considered emerging draft Equalities Impact Assessments for each saving, where applicable, and referred them to the Overview and Scrutiny panels and Committee for consideration and comment.

The report outlined the forecast financial position of the council for the period 2026-2030, stating that the financial health and sustainability of the authority underpins every area of the council's services and is therefore vital for delivering against the council's strategic priorities.

Merton Safeguarding Children Partnership Annual Report

The panel was scheduled to receive the Merton Safeguarding Children Partnership Annual Report, covering April 2024 to March 2025. The report included information on the delivery of statutory responsibilities, progress on MSCP business plan priorities, training and learning activities, and themes emerging from scrutiny, reviews and audit. The report also covered the work of key partners and partnership bodies such as the Merton Safeguarding Adults Board, the Child Death Overview Panel, and the LADO service.

The report noted that the MSCP had transitioned to new arrangements under the Working Together 2023 guidance, publishing a new Partnership Agreement in December 2024. The MSCP also agreed to formally adopt the Children's Social Care National Framework, and was progressing with the development and implementation of the Families First Partnership Programme.

The report also highlighted the MSCP's work with schools, including the annual Section 175 audit, and the support offered to schools to meet safeguarding responsibilities.

0-19 Healthy Child Service Update Report

The panel was scheduled to discuss an update on Merton's 0-19 Healthy Child Programme services, commissioned by Public Health and provided by Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust (CLCH). The 0-19 services include health visiting and school nursing, and are funded by Merton's ringfenced Public Health Grant.

The report highlighted the service's performance, including breastfeeding rates, uptake of health visitor reviews, staff recruitment and retention, and service user feedback. The report also noted the role of the services in partnership with other borough services in early identification and intervention across a number of pathways including Good Level of Development at 5, SEND and reducing the impacts of child poverty.

The report pack stated that following a review of the options, the council decided to use the Direct Award option under the Provider Selection Regime (PSR) to appoint CLCH to deliver the new contract which started on 1 July 2025 and will end on 31 March 2030.

SEN Student Travel

The panel was scheduled to discuss a report outlining the statutory context of providing home to school transport for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The report summarised progress the council has made in this area to provide a service that is essential for many children with SEND to access education. This included enhancing procedures for the safety to children but also efficiency savings to ensure that, within the statutory context, families that most need it are prioritised, and commissioning and route planning is more effective.

The report noted that the council provides supported transport by a combination of mini buses managed by the council's Environment Department, commissioned taxis, and personal budgets that allows eligible families to make their own arrangements with financial support from the council.

The report also stated that a saving of £210,000 has been identified by the council for home to school transport in 2026/27 as part of the budget savings process, and that CLLF have secured the support of Newton Europe to support the required plans to strategically transform children's services.

Departmental Update

The panel was scheduled to receive a departmental update, highlighting key areas of work undertaken within the Children, Lifelong Learning and Families (CLLF) Department. The update included information on school inspections, early years and best start in life, the Holiday, Activity and Food (HAF) programme, 'Ask the Director' and Practice Week sessions, support provided to vulnerable children (EHCPs), SEND and Safety Valve Strategic progress; Young Carers; the developments of the Families First Partnership Programme, as well as updates from Early Help, Family Assessment and Corporate Parenting.

Performance Monitoring

The panel was scheduled to receive a performance report, setting out key performance areas across Children, Lifelong Learning and Families with a focus on supporting children to achieve well and keeping them safe. The performance information aligns to the priorities set out in the Children and Young People's Plan under the Children's Trust: Being Healthy, Staying Safe, Enjoying and Achieving, Getting Involved and Having a Say, and Supporting Futures.

LADO Annual Report

The panel was scheduled to analyse and inspect the 2024/2025 LADO report. The LADO manages concerns and allegations against professionals and volunteers working with children.