The Children, Young People and Education Scrutiny Commission of Leicester Council was scheduled to discuss updates on Ofsted inspections, the development of Multi-Agency Child Protection Teams, and the implications of the government's Schools White Paper. The commission was also set to review its work programme.

Ofsted Inspection Update

The Director of Children's Social Work and Early Help was scheduled to provide a verbal update on Ofsted inspections of Children's Homes. This update was expected to cover the frequency of inspections, the scope of what is examined, and the current gradings of these homes.

Multi-Agency Child Protection Teams

A report was scheduled to be presented on the progress of developing Multi-Agency Child Protection Teams (MACPTs). These teams are a key part of the Families First Partnership reforms and are intended to bring together safeguarding professionals from Social Care, Police, Health, and Education. The aim is to create a centre of excellence to improve safeguarding practices and multi-agency collaboration, with the teams expected to have direct input into strategy discussions, Section 47 enquiries, and child protection conferences. The report was expected to recommend that the commission note the current position of the MACPT development.

The report outlined three potential delivery models for MACPTs across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland (LLR). Model 1a proposed three local MACPTs with aligned police and health teams, where each local authority team would retain its screening function and host a coordinated business support function. Model 1b also proposed three local MACPTs but with centralised police and health teams working across the three local authorities on a demand/needs basis. Model 2 suggested a single LLR MACPT, operating virtually, where every referral would be risk-assessed as a multi-agency response. The report indicated a preference for Model 1a, as it was considered to be more firmly rooted in the principle of relational practice.

Schools White Paper

The Director of SEND and Education was scheduled to present a report summarising the implications of the government's Schools White Paper, titled 'Every Child Achieving and Thriving', for Leicester City. The report was expected to highlight a national shift towards more inclusive mainstream education for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). While this direction aligns with Leicester's existing strategy, the paper was anticipated to note the need for accelerated delivery and strengthened practice in mainstream schools, along with enhanced collaboration across services. The local authority is required to develop a Local SEND Reform Plan by June 2026 to outline how these changes will be implemented. The commission was invited to note the publication of the White Paper, consider its implications for Leicester, and acknowledge the alignment with the Council's current SEND strategy and the requirement for a Local SEND Reform Plan.

Work Programme

Members of the Commission were scheduled to consider the work programme for the Children, Young People and Education Scrutiny Commission. This would involve reviewing planned future agenda items and making suggestions for any additional topics they deemed necessary to include. The forward plan indicated potential future discussions on topics such as the Corporate Parenting Annual Report, school-age childcare, youth services surveys, and updates on the Families First Programme.