The Young People, Learning and Employment Policy and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the effectiveness of the council's School Inclusion Strategy and to review the facilities available for young people and their families. Key decisions included a commitment to further develop the School Inclusion Strategy, with a focus on early intervention and support for vulnerable pupils, and to continue investigating opportunities for underused spaces to be developed into facilities for young people and families.

School Inclusion Strategy Effectiveness

The committee reviewed the Bi-borough School Inclusion Strategy, which was launched in 2022 and aims to reduce exclusions and improve attendance rates for children in Westminster and Kensington and Chelsea. Data presented showed that while permanent exclusion rates in Westminster remain low and have decreased, suspension rates have risen, particularly in secondary schools, and are tracking slightly above inner London comparators. Persistent absence rates have also increased across all ethnic groups and are above national and inner London rates, with a particular concern for children with SEN support needs.

Discussions highlighted that children from certain ethnic backgrounds, those eligible for free school meals, and those with SEN are disproportionately affected by suspensions. The council is committed to addressing these factors through a whole-system approach, including trauma-informed training for school staff, expanding Early Help services, and promoting anti-racist practices. Initiatives such as the Ormiston outreach provision and the Early Help School Inclusion Team have shown positive outcomes in keeping children in mainstream education. The committee also noted the importance of effective transition support for pupils moving between schools or into alternative provision, with plans to improve reintegration rates and post-16 destinations.

Facilities for Young People and Their Families

The committee also examined the council's provision of facilities for young people and their families. The report outlined a range of council-run properties, including family hubs, children's centres, and centres for disabled children, as well as commissioned services such as youth hubs and holiday activity programmes. The council is investing £5 million to acquire new accommodation for care leavers to address a shortage of in-house solutions.

The report detailed the council's sports and physical activities offer, managed through a partnership with Everyone Active, which includes leisure centres, parks, and playgrounds. While there is good coverage of play facilities, gaps have been identified in areas of higher childhood obesity, particularly in the West End and Marylebone. A new Playground Action Plan is being developed to improve playgrounds across the borough, with a focus on inclusivity and addressing areas of greatest need. The committee discussed the importance of intergenerational spaces and the need for more provision for teenagers, particularly in the West End. There was also a discussion about the challenges of securing funding and resources for these facilities, and the importance of engaging with the voluntary sector, such as the Young Westminster Foundation, to maximise the use of available spaces. The council is committed to exploring opportunities for underused spaces and extending the Play Streets programme to create more community spaces for families.