The Barnet Children's Partnership Board was scheduled to discuss a range of important topics, including the council's Economic Development Framework and a comprehensive report on educational standards across the borough. The meeting also included updates on children in care and care leavers, as well as a campaign update from Barnet Elected Youth Representatives.

Children in Care and Care Leavers: Advocacy Access

The Board was scheduled to receive a verbal update regarding advocacy access for children in care and care leavers. This would have provided information on how these young people are supported in accessing advocacy services.

Barnet Elected Youth Representatives - Campaign Update

A campaign update from the Barnet Elected Youth Representatives was scheduled to be presented. This would have offered insight into the initiatives and priorities of young people in Barnet.

Economic Development Framework

The meeting was set to consider the Barnet Economic Development Framework 2025-2030. This strategic plan aims to build an inclusive economy in Barnet by translating investment into local opportunities, training, and employment. The framework, developed over 18 months, was approved by Cabinet in September 2025 and launched in November 2025. The council's role in delivering this framework involves convening partnerships, providing expertise, and utilising policy levers such as planning, procurement, and licensing. The vision is for Barnet to be recognised as a destination for investment and growing businesses, with an economy that benefits everyone. The report recommended that the Board consider, comment on, and note the adoption of the framework.

The framework outlines five key objectives:

• Building on Barnet's economic strengths and opportunities.
• Addressing its weaknesses and threats.
• Responding to the needs and priorities of residents, businesses, and communities.
• Continuing to attract inward investment to Barnet.
• Complementing local, sub-regional, and national strategic goals.

It is underpinned by five themes: Securing Investment to Benefit All, Supporting Priority Sectors to Grow, Building a Workforce to Succeed, Creating Growing Places to Thrive, and Boosting the Green Economy to Work Towards Net Zero. A cross-cutting foundation of Growth for Everyone is also highlighted, ensuring that growth benefits all residents, particularly those furthest from the labour market. The delivery of the framework is guided by four principles: working as one council, working in partnership, working at scale, and working for London and the UK.

Education Standards in Barnet 2025

A detailed report on educational standards in Barnet for 2024-25 was scheduled for discussion. The report highlights Barnet's strengths, including high attainment in Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), Year 1 Phonics, and Key Stage 2 (KS2) assessments. Barnet's performance places it within the top 10% of local authorities nationally for many of these measures, particularly for disadvantaged pupils.

However, the report also identifies areas for development. These include improving attendance and reducing exclusions, particularly in Pupil Referral Units (PRUs), and supporting the transition of weaker readers from primary to secondary education. Further focus is needed on improving vocational results at Key Stage 5 (KS5) and expanding progress and progression pathways at Key Stage 4 (KS4) and KS5. The report also stresses the ongoing priority of improving the achievement of disadvantaged pupils, those with Special Educational Needs (SEN), and other vulnerable groups, despite Barnet's strong performance compared to national averages. Recruitment and retention of teachers and school leaders, as well as safeguarding, were also noted as ongoing priorities. The report details extensive data on attainment and progress across all key stages, broken down by various demographic groups, including free school meal eligibility, ethnicity, SEN status, and first language.

School Streets

An update on the School Streets initiative was expected to be provided. This scheme aims to create safer and more pleasant environments around schools by restricting vehicle access during certain times.

Updates from Other Boards

A verbal update was scheduled to be given on activities and discussions from other relevant Barnet Council boards, ensuring information sharing and coordination across different areas of council work.

Ofsted Update

The Board was scheduled to receive an update on recent Ofsted inspections and findings related to children's services in Barnet. A focused visit in November 2025 highlighted that care leavers continue to be a high priority, with proactive steps being taken to strengthen support and communication during transitions. While most care leavers receive positive support, the report noted areas for improvement, including the consistency of support for accommodation transitions for vulnerable care leavers and the quality of pathway planning to address complex individual experiences and risks.

Forward Work Programme

The Board was scheduled to review and note the Forward Work Programme for the upcoming period, outlining the key topics and decisions planned for future meetings. This includes upcoming discussions on the Youth Strategy, PREVENT, Gaming and Gambling, and Give Local Barnet.