Children's committee to examine social care, SEND and youth services in first meeting of new administration

The committee plays a key role in holding services to account, reviewing performance and ensuring that the voices and needs of children and families remain at the heart of decision-making.

Councillor George Crivelli, Cabinet Member for Children, said: "This committee is an important opportunity to look at the progress we are making for children and young people in Wandsworth and to ensure we continue challenging ourselves to do even better.

"The papers being discussed demonstrate strengths, from our Outstanding children's social care services to our nationally recognised SEND performance and the thousands of young people engaging with activities and support in their communities.

"As the first Children's Overview and Scrutiny Committee since the new Cabinet was appointed, it is also a chance to look ahead and ensure we remain focused on what matters most: giving every child in Wandsworth the best possible start in life."

At the meeting, members will receive updates and scrutinise papers covering the quality of children's social care practice, support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and the borough's youth provision.

One of the headline items will be a review of Wandsworth's children's social care services following the borough's recent Ofsted inspection, which awarded an Outstanding rating across all areas inspected.

The paper highlights strong safeguarding arrangements, effective early help services and excellent outcomes for children in care and care leavers, while also setting out how the council will continue to improve and build on its success.

The committee will also consider a paper on SEND provision in Wandsworth. The update outlines how the council is responding to growing demand for support while maintaining some of the strongest performance in the country, including issuing 100% of Education, Health and Care Plans within statutory timescales for the third consecutive year.

The paper also details investment in specialist provision, including plans to expand capacity and help more children access support closer to home.

Members will also discuss the borough's youth offer and the role it plays in helping young people develop skills, confidence and positive relationships.

The paper highlights more than 22,450 attendances at council-run youth clubs over the past year, alongside targeted outreach work, holiday activities and programmes designed to support young people's wellbeing and future aspirations.

The meeting comes as the council continues to deliver its ambitions for children and families through a greater focus on prevention, early intervention and joined-up support across education, health, social care and community services.

The Children's Overview and Scrutiny Committee will take place at Wandsworth Town Hall on Tuesday 22 September and is open to the public. The agenda and papers are available on the council's website.