The Corporate Parenting Committee of Southwark Council was scheduled to discuss a range of important issues concerning children in care and care leavers. Key topics included updates on the Virtual School's work regarding suspensions and exclusions, developments in the Kinship Local Offer, and progress on the new Corporate Parenting Strategy. The committee was also set to review its workplan for the upcoming year.

Virtual School Suspension, Exclusion, and Persistent Absence of Girls Report

A report was scheduled to be presented concerning the suspension, exclusion, and persistent absence of girls within Southwark's Virtual School. The report, arising from the Annual Headteacher report to the Corporate Parenting Committee on 22 October 2025, aimed to provide an update on the strategic and operational work undertaken to support these cohorts. It was intended to identify key priorities and highlight partnership initiatives. The report indicated a downward trajectory in suspension rates for Southwark Children Looked After (CLA), with a significant reduction in permanent exclusions. However, it also highlighted a persistent over-representation of children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) among those suspended and noted a rising trend in absenteeism among girls, consistent with national patterns. The Southwark Virtual School's response to potential permanent exclusions and strategies to address persistent absenteeism were also to be detailed.

Kinship Local Offer Developments and Implementation Plan

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the developments and implementation plan for Southwark's Kinship Local Offer. Launched in September 2025, this offer is a statutory requirement aimed at ensuring children can live with their families unless it is inconsistent with their safety and welfare. The focus remains on creating a transparent, accessible, and co-produced framework of needs-led support for all kinship carers, regardless of legal status. The report detailed planned enhancements across seven themes: Therapeutic, Training and Support, Financial, Education, Family Group Conference (FGC) Contact, Legal, and the Children in Care Council. Communication and engagement strategies were also outlined to improve reach and awareness.

Corporate Parenting Strategy 2026-2030 – Update

An update was scheduled regarding the development of the next iteration of Southwark's Corporate Parenting Strategy for 2026-2030. Building on the council's Southwark 2030 Strategy, this new strategy is being developed in full collaboration with care-experienced children and young people to ensure their voices are central. Progress included the delivery of the Bright Spots Survey, which gathered views from 246 children in care and care leavers, and the development of eight pillars by Speakerbox, outlining priorities for care-experienced children and young people. A delivery timeline for the draft strategy was also to be presented.

Corporate Parenting Committee Workplan 2026-27

The committee was scheduled to review and agree its workplan for the municipal year 2026-27. The workplan outlined indicative items for future meetings, including updates from Speakerbox, annual reports on health, fostering, adoption, and the Southwark Homes for Southwark Children programme. The development of the Corporate Parenting Strategy 2026-30 and a joint working protocol between Housing and Children's Services were also listed. The role and functions of the Corporate Parenting Committee, as defined in the council's constitution, were to be reiterated.