Agenda and minutes

Apologies are noted above.

Members of Cabinet are asked to consider whether they have an interest in any of the matters of the Agenda and, if so, to formally declare that interest.

There were no declarations of interest.

Minutes from the meeting held on 10^th July 2025 are attached for approval.

It was agreed:

That the minutes of the meeting held on the 10^th July 2025 be approved as a correct and accurate record.

A period of 30 minutes has been set aside for members of the public to ask questions on the agenda for tonight’s meeting.

No questions were received in advance of the meeting.

A period of up to 15 minutes will be allocated for questions and supplementary questions from members of the Council who are not members of the committee. This period may be varied at the discretion of the chair.

There were no member questions.

This item was deferred to a future meeting

Report of the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children and Young People is attached.

Councillor L Smith Cabinet member for Children and Young people provided an overview of the recent Ofsted inspection, with thanks formally recorded to the committee and staff for their dedication and hard work. A special note of appreciation was extended to Jeanette Richards for her leadership throughout the journey.

The discussion opened with questions around consistency across teams. Concerns were raised about the variability in practice and the challenges posed by workforce stability, recruitment, and agency costs. Despite training efforts, the impact has been inconsistent, and there was recognition of the need for stronger support for team managers. It was noted that a training support framework has been developed for social workers, and while quality assurance has highlighted good practice, consistency remains a priority.

Jeanette Richards Executive Director for Children and Young People acknowledged the progress made but emphasised that more work is needed to ensure consistency between team managers and practitioners. She described efforts to establish a structured approach, including reflective supervision, which has been well received by the workforce. Supervision reporting is at good levels, and dip sampling has led to additional learning and development opportunities for team managers.

There was a collective expression of gratitude to the leadership team, with congratulations offered to all involved. The conversation then turned to future priorities. While many children are now receiving the services they need, there are still limitations. The question was raised about whether the focus should now be on managing the current system or identifying areas for further progress.

It was suggested that the submission of a new plan presents an opportunity to refocus efforts, particularly on early help and ensuring stability amidst broader social care changes. The importance of doing the basics well and aligning children’s services with the education strategy was highlighted as key to improving outcomes.

Joanne Burns reflected positively on the improvements seen in early help and frontline collaboration but noted ongoing difficulties in recruiting staff with the right skills. She asked whether a model based on clusters or communities of care could be planned for the future. It was shared that early help pilots had received mixed feedback, and reforms are underway to strengthen partnerships, including bringing health partners into schools.

Jeanette added that nationally, there are concerns about developmental outcomes for children post-lockdown. Locally, a Best Start and Early Help Board has been established, and additional health visitors have been recruited. While family hubs are being publicised, more work is needed to develop the offer and ensure awareness.

Wendy Young Head of Service for SEND spoke about the development of communities of practice, linking with the educational psychology service and increasing school engagement. The aim is to improve integration and align with the ICB, offering a wraparound approach for schools. Statutory assessment and review teams have been extended to include attendance and virtual schools, with many schools also managing SEND needs. There was discussion about how to better engage with schools and primary care settings, and how to ensure schools know where  ...  view the full minutes text for item 74.

A Report from Councillor Smith, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children and Young People is attached

Wendy Young, Head of Service for SEND, provided an update on the SEND landscape in Bury. She reported that two stocktakes have taken place since the introduction of the Priority Impact Plan, both of which have provided assurance to the Department for Education (DfE). The July stocktake highlighted the positive involvement of children and young people in the improvement journey, noting that their voices are embedded within the Strategic Improvement and Assurance Board, even when they are not physically present. The focus is now shifting towards deepening the understanding of priorities and strengthening the development plan over the next six months in preparation for the next stocktake.

Questions were raised regarding the expansion of local SEND provision. Brookhaven School has previously opened, and the DfE has agreed to support the development of a new special school. The aim is to adopt a graduated approach and retain children within the borough. However, concerns were expressed about delays to the new school’s opening, which was originally scheduled for 2026 but is now expected to be behind schedule.

Officers informed members it has identified a site and is supporting the planning process, although delays have stemmed from the DfE’s consideration of alternative options, including whether existing schools could accommodate the provision.

Attention turned to the neurodiversity hubs, Members expressed interest in understanding how these hubs will support children and young people, particularly in preventing mental health issues linked to unmet neurodiverse needs. It was agreed that colleagues from Health will be invited to a future meeting to present the neurodiversity plan, with emphasis on the need for joint working between health and children’s services.

Concerns were raised about children whose needs are not being met due to schools being unable to identify or accommodate them. The expansion of Milwood School was discussed as part of the inclusion strategy. Although the expansion is underway, it has faced delays. The process involves panel commissioning and determining whether provision is available.

Wendy Young clarified that unsuitability alone does not constitute legal grounds for appeal unless incompatibility is proven. The local authority must ensure that consultations are thorough and that provision is secured appropriately. The importance of mainstream settings making a difference was reiterated, with a focus on ensuring children access the right provision at the right time.

Joanne Burns raised the issue of children recognised as needing specialist provision but being placed out of borough due to a lack of local options. Wendy responded that meeting the needs outlined in EHCPs is a priority, and tribunals only arise when those needs cannot be met. She acknowledged that Bury has faced challenges in this area and that efforts are being made to improve resource provision and reduce delays.

Councillor Smith reflected on the SEND improvement journey, noting that tribunal delays are often linked to case law and the need for robust planning. The committee discussed the importance of securing a completion date for the Milwood expansion and whether funding had been allocated.

Looking ahead, members considered the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 75.

Any other business which by reason of special circumstances the Chair agrees may be considered as a matter of urgency.

There was no urgent business.