Hampshire County Council
Councillors:
78
Wards:
76
Committees:
49
Meetings (2025):
165
Meetings (2024):
156
Meeting
Children and Young People Select Committee - Hampshire
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Wednesday, 22nd January 2025
10:00 AM
Wednesday, 22nd January 2025
10:00 AM
End:
Wednesday, 22nd January 2025
2:00 PM
Wednesday, 22nd January 2025
2:00 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
22 Jan 2025
22 Jan 2025
Location:
Ashburton Hall, Elizabeth II Court, The Castle, Winchester
Ashburton Hall, Elizabeth II Court, The Castle, Winchester
Meeting Attendees
Liberal Democrats Spokesperson
Co-opted Member
Vacancy
Catholic Schools Representative
Expected
Co-opted Member
Robert Sanders
Church of England Schools Representative
Present, as expected
Co-opted Member
Gemma Rainger
Parent Governor for Primary Schools
Present, as expected
Co-opted Member
Christie Franklin
Parent Governor for Special Schools
Present, as expected
Independent Group Spokesperson
Independent Group Deputy
Co-opted Member
Richard Mounfield
Parent Governor for Secondary Schools
Present, as expected
Committee Member
Borough Councillor
Agenda
1
Apologies for Absence
To receive any apologies for absence.
Minutes
Apologies were received from Councillor Brent.
2
Declarations of Interest
All Members who believe they have a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in any matter to be considered at the meeting must declare that interest and, having regard to Part 3 Paragraph 1.5 of the County Council's Members’ Code of Conduct, leave the meeting while the matter is discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with Paragraph 1.6 of the Code. Furthermore all Members with a Personal Interest in a matter being considered at the meeting should consider, having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 4 of the Code, whether such interest should be declared, and having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 5 of the Code, consider whether it is appropriate to leave the meeting while the matter is discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with the Code.
Minutes
Members were mindful that where they believed they had a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in any matter considered at the meeting they must declare that interest at the time of the relevant debate and, having regard to the circumstances described in Part 3, Paragraph 1.5 of the County Council's Members' Code of Conduct, leave the meeting while the matter was discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with Paragraph 1.6 of the Code. Furthermore Members were mindful that where they believed they had a Personal interest in a matter being considered at the meeting they considered whether such interest should be declared, and having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 5 of the Code, considered whether it was appropriate to leave the meeting whilst the matter was discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with the Code.
No declarations were made.
No declarations were made.
3
Minutes of Previous Meeting
To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting.
Attachments:
- Document Printed minutes 06122024 1000 Children and Young People Select Committee 14 Jan 2025
Minutes
The Minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.
4
Deputations
To receive any deputations notified under Standing Order 12.
Minutes
The Committee did not receive any deputations.
5
Chairman's Announcements
To receive any announcements the Chairman may wish to make.
Minutes
The Chairman did not make any announcements to the meeting.
6
2025/26 Revenue Budget & Savings Report for Children's Services
To pre-scrutinise the Children’s Services 2025/26 revenue report ahead of a decision by the Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services.
Attachments:
- Document Cover report 14 Jan 2025
- Document Executive Member report 14 Jan 2025
- Document Appendix 5 - Equalities Impact Assessments 14 Jan 2025
- Document Presentation 14 Jan 2025
Minutes
The Committee pre-scrutinised the report setting out the proposed 2025/26 revenue budget for Children’s Services ahead of its consideration by the Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services at her Decision Day.
The report set out the financial position of the County Council and explained how each Directorate continued to seek further efficiency savings in order to raise income and meet the budget gap faced by rising demand led services. Members reviewed the outcomes of the Local Government Finance Settlement and the impact of this on budget forecasts.
The Committee heard how the Council would continue to enact it’s core purpose and support the most vulnerable residents. The key areas of focus and challenge for the Children’s Services Directorate were highlighted. In particular, Members discussed the sharp increase in the number of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and the subsequent impact that this had on the rise in demand for home to school transport. There was significant debate as to whether there should be an alternative methodology to issuing EHCPs, such as every child having an EHCP, and whether school transport should be means tested. There was also much discussion regarding Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC) and the forecast financial pressures linked to static funding allocations and an increase in the proportion of older UASC. Members discussed the shortfall in funding and the lobbying that was taking place nationally on the issue.
In response to Members’ questions, it was confirmed that:
· The Mutually Agreed Resignation Scheme (MARS) had been carefully managed to ensure that the effectiveness and integrity of the Directorate and services provided was maintained. The scheme had been handled with sensitivity, acknowledging the contribution of officers who had chosen to leave the Council and supporting those teams who had been effected.
· There had recently been approximately 200 additional requests for EHCPs each month. The application form was presented in a statutory format which could not be re-designed.
· The rising cost of school transport was attributable to demand and not due to the management of the transport. Challenges were present in part due to the geography of Hampshire and longer journeys to schools with no alternative transport links available. Members heard how parents were increasingly selecting schools which were a greater distance away.
· Services such as County Supplies were expected to maintain a commercial approach and make at least a 15% contribution to corporate overheads as was the Council’s general approach.
· Officers were looking at how to maximise the impact of the extended school hours offer (breakfast and after school clubs) to assist parents and to align with variations for school transport.
· Local Authorities received no funding and had no statutory duty to provide Post 16 transport.
· The Directorate were working with schools looking into ‘travel training’ for young people.
· With regards to proposal CS20 within Appendix 3, it was confirmed that a new IT system had been implemented which reduced demand on support workers and was far more intuitive. This would allow for the proposed ratio reduction.
· The Corporate Sites Asset Board reviewed assets and sites in terms of locations for schools and officers were in regular contact with District and Borough Authorities locally regarding proposed school locations.
· A significant number of Special Education Need resourced provision on existing school sites was being incorporated.
· That UASC were supported with their tuition fees in the same way as all children in care who wish to attend Further Education. Members noted the positive impact that UASC had on communities in terms of being motivated and keen to attend school and gain an education.
The Committee voted on the recommendations and the outcome of the vote was as below:
For: 9
Against: 6
Abstain: 0
RESOLVED:
That the Children and Young People Select Committee recommend to the Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services that they approve for submission to the Leader and Cabinet:
i. The revised 2024/25 budget and proposed 2025/26 budget for Children’s Services as set out in Appendix 1 and 2.
ii. The officer proposed SP25 phase 2 savings as set out in Appendix 3.
iii. Changes to the local schools funding as set out in paragraphs 112 to 119.
iv. The proposed fees and charges as set out in Appendix 4.
The report set out the financial position of the County Council and explained how each Directorate continued to seek further efficiency savings in order to raise income and meet the budget gap faced by rising demand led services. Members reviewed the outcomes of the Local Government Finance Settlement and the impact of this on budget forecasts.
The Committee heard how the Council would continue to enact it’s core purpose and support the most vulnerable residents. The key areas of focus and challenge for the Children’s Services Directorate were highlighted. In particular, Members discussed the sharp increase in the number of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and the subsequent impact that this had on the rise in demand for home to school transport. There was significant debate as to whether there should be an alternative methodology to issuing EHCPs, such as every child having an EHCP, and whether school transport should be means tested. There was also much discussion regarding Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC) and the forecast financial pressures linked to static funding allocations and an increase in the proportion of older UASC. Members discussed the shortfall in funding and the lobbying that was taking place nationally on the issue.
In response to Members’ questions, it was confirmed that:
· The Mutually Agreed Resignation Scheme (MARS) had been carefully managed to ensure that the effectiveness and integrity of the Directorate and services provided was maintained. The scheme had been handled with sensitivity, acknowledging the contribution of officers who had chosen to leave the Council and supporting those teams who had been effected.
· There had recently been approximately 200 additional requests for EHCPs each month. The application form was presented in a statutory format which could not be re-designed.
· The rising cost of school transport was attributable to demand and not due to the management of the transport. Challenges were present in part due to the geography of Hampshire and longer journeys to schools with no alternative transport links available. Members heard how parents were increasingly selecting schools which were a greater distance away.
· Services such as County Supplies were expected to maintain a commercial approach and make at least a 15% contribution to corporate overheads as was the Council’s general approach.
· Officers were looking at how to maximise the impact of the extended school hours offer (breakfast and after school clubs) to assist parents and to align with variations for school transport.
· Local Authorities received no funding and had no statutory duty to provide Post 16 transport.
· The Directorate were working with schools looking into ‘travel training’ for young people.
· With regards to proposal CS20 within Appendix 3, it was confirmed that a new IT system had been implemented which reduced demand on support workers and was far more intuitive. This would allow for the proposed ratio reduction.
· The Corporate Sites Asset Board reviewed assets and sites in terms of locations for schools and officers were in regular contact with District and Borough Authorities locally regarding proposed school locations.
· A significant number of Special Education Need resourced provision on existing school sites was being incorporated.
· That UASC were supported with their tuition fees in the same way as all children in care who wish to attend Further Education. Members noted the positive impact that UASC had on communities in terms of being motivated and keen to attend school and gain an education.
The Committee voted on the recommendations and the outcome of the vote was as below:
For: 9
Against: 6
Abstain: 0
RESOLVED:
That the Children and Young People Select Committee recommend to the Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services that they approve for submission to the Leader and Cabinet:
i. The revised 2024/25 budget and proposed 2025/26 budget for Children’s Services as set out in Appendix 1 and 2.
ii. The officer proposed SP25 phase 2 savings as set out in Appendix 3.
iii. Changes to the local schools funding as set out in paragraphs 112 to 119.
iv. The proposed fees and charges as set out in Appendix 4.
7
Children's Services Capital Programme 2025/26 - 2027/28
To pre-scrutinise the Children’s Services 2025/26 and 2027/28 Capital Programme ahead of a decision by the Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services.
Attachments:
- Document Cover report 14 Jan 2025
- Document Executive Member report 14 Jan 2025
- Document Appendix 1 - Capital Programme 2025-26 & 2027-28 - DD 22.01.25 14 Jan 2025
- Document Appendix 2 - Capital Programme 2025-26 & 2027-28 - DD 22.01.25 14 Jan 2025
- Document Appendix 3 - Capital Programme 2025-26 & 2027-28 - DD 22.01.25 14 Jan 2025
- Document Appendix 4 - Capital Programme 2025-26 & 2027-28 - DD 22.01.25 14 Jan 2025
- Document Appendix 5 - Capital Programme 2025-26 & 2027-28 - DD 22.01.25 14 Jan 2025
- Document Appendix 6 - Capital Programme 2025-26 & 2027-28 - DD 22.01.25 14 Jan 2025
- Document Appendix 7 - Capital Programme 2025-26 & 2027-28 - DD 22.01.25 14 Jan 2025
- Document Appendix 8 - Capital Programme 2025-26 & 2027-28 - DD 22.01.25 14 Jan 2025
- Document Appendix 9 - Capital Programme 2025-26 & 2027-28 - DD 22.01.25 14 Jan 2025
- Document Presentation 14 Jan 2025
Minutes
The Committee considered the report setting out the Children’s Services Capital Programme 2025/26 to 2027/28.
Members noted the decline in primary places and that any proposals on school re-organisations would be brought forward to future meetings. Members also noted the impact of house building upon school planning including the impact of a decline in developments.
The Committee were pleased to hear of exciting investment for education settings across Hampshire; in particular new schools which were planned to open in September 2028 were welcomed by the Committee as were plans for investment into additional Special Education Need and Disability (SEND) provision.
In response to Members’ questions, it was confirmed that:
· When planning for a new school, safe walking routes to school were a key consideration and always formed part of negotiations with the developer and transport planning teams.
· The Council was working with District and Borough authority colleagues to understand the impact of increased housing targets as set by Government.
· There had been a couple of instances in the past where a site had been handed back to developers following plans for schools changing but that this was a rarity.
· Headteachers were encouraged to work collaboratively with other local schools as opposed to there being a competitive environment for school admissions.
· New school builds were intended to have a 60-80 year lifespan.
· Primary schools were generally built to a maximum of three form entry.
The Committee also discussed school environment in general, the impact of size and having smaller classes with a greater inclusion and awareness of neurodiversity. Members agreed that this was a national issue.
Members voted on the proposed recommendations. The outcome of the vote was:
For: 13
Against: 0
Abstain: 1
RESOLVED:
That the Children and Young People Select Committee recommend to the Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services that they approve submission to the Leader and Cabinet the proposed capital programme for 2025/26 and the provisional capital programme for 2026/27 and 2027/28 and the revised capital programme for 2024/25 as set out in Appendix 1.
i. That the following variations to the 2024/25 capital programme be approved:
• That it be recommended that resources of £0.93m be allocated from the 2024/25 capital programme contingency to support the expansion of Bordon Infant & Junior Schools, Bordon.
• That it be recommended that resources of £1.93m be allocated from the 2024/25 capital programme to support additional accommodation at Maple Ridge School, Basingstoke.
ii. That the Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services gives approval be given to the Director of Children’s Services to determine those sites that require modular buildings for the 2025/26 academic year and that the sites listed in Appendix 3 be approved.
iii. It is also recommended that approval be given to the Director of Children’s Services to allocate £1.1m of identified Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) revenue funding to support the short-term hire and relocation of existing modular buildings. It is also recommended that approval be given to the Director of Children’s Services to allocate £2m of Basic Need Grant to those sites identified as requiring the purchase of modular buildings.
iv. That approval is given to the Director of Children’s Services in discussion with the Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services to undertake all consultations linked to projects listed in this report.
v. That the Supporting Inclusion in Schools projects identified in Appendix 4 be approved.
vi. That the projects approved under delegated powers by the Director of Children’s Services in Appendix 5 are noted.
vii. That the School Places Plan at Appendix 6 be noted.
viii. That the School Suitability Programme projects identified in Appendix 7 be approved.
ix. That the SEND schemes funded by the High Needs Provision Capital Allocations grant at Appendix 8 be approved.
x. That the Early Years grant approvals listed in Appendix 9 be approved.
Members noted the decline in primary places and that any proposals on school re-organisations would be brought forward to future meetings. Members also noted the impact of house building upon school planning including the impact of a decline in developments.
The Committee were pleased to hear of exciting investment for education settings across Hampshire; in particular new schools which were planned to open in September 2028 were welcomed by the Committee as were plans for investment into additional Special Education Need and Disability (SEND) provision.
In response to Members’ questions, it was confirmed that:
· When planning for a new school, safe walking routes to school were a key consideration and always formed part of negotiations with the developer and transport planning teams.
· The Council was working with District and Borough authority colleagues to understand the impact of increased housing targets as set by Government.
· There had been a couple of instances in the past where a site had been handed back to developers following plans for schools changing but that this was a rarity.
· Headteachers were encouraged to work collaboratively with other local schools as opposed to there being a competitive environment for school admissions.
· New school builds were intended to have a 60-80 year lifespan.
· Primary schools were generally built to a maximum of three form entry.
The Committee also discussed school environment in general, the impact of size and having smaller classes with a greater inclusion and awareness of neurodiversity. Members agreed that this was a national issue.
Members voted on the proposed recommendations. The outcome of the vote was:
For: 13
Against: 0
Abstain: 1
RESOLVED:
That the Children and Young People Select Committee recommend to the Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services that they approve submission to the Leader and Cabinet the proposed capital programme for 2025/26 and the provisional capital programme for 2026/27 and 2027/28 and the revised capital programme for 2024/25 as set out in Appendix 1.
i. That the following variations to the 2024/25 capital programme be approved:
• That it be recommended that resources of £0.93m be allocated from the 2024/25 capital programme contingency to support the expansion of Bordon Infant & Junior Schools, Bordon.
• That it be recommended that resources of £1.93m be allocated from the 2024/25 capital programme to support additional accommodation at Maple Ridge School, Basingstoke.
ii. That the Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services gives approval be given to the Director of Children’s Services to determine those sites that require modular buildings for the 2025/26 academic year and that the sites listed in Appendix 3 be approved.
iii. It is also recommended that approval be given to the Director of Children’s Services to allocate £1.1m of identified Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) revenue funding to support the short-term hire and relocation of existing modular buildings. It is also recommended that approval be given to the Director of Children’s Services to allocate £2m of Basic Need Grant to those sites identified as requiring the purchase of modular buildings.
iv. That approval is given to the Director of Children’s Services in discussion with the Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services to undertake all consultations linked to projects listed in this report.
v. That the Supporting Inclusion in Schools projects identified in Appendix 4 be approved.
vi. That the projects approved under delegated powers by the Director of Children’s Services in Appendix 5 are noted.
vii. That the School Places Plan at Appendix 6 be noted.
viii. That the School Suitability Programme projects identified in Appendix 7 be approved.
ix. That the SEND schemes funded by the High Needs Provision Capital Allocations grant at Appendix 8 be approved.
x. That the Early Years grant approvals listed in Appendix 9 be approved.
8
School Transport Task and Finish Group
To consider establishing a Task and Finish Group to oversee and scrutinise the approach and outcomes of the Stage 2 Consultation related to Children’s Services SP25 Phase 2 savings proposals.
Attachments:
- Document Select Committee SP25 Phase 2 proposals - Task and Finish Working Group School Transport 14 Jan 2025
- Document Task and Finish Group Terms of Reference 14 Jan 2025
Minutes
The Committee considered the report regarding a Task and Finish Working Group to oversee and scrutinise the approach and outcomes of the Stage 2
Consultation relating to Children’s Services SP25 phase 2 savings proposals.
Members noted that two of the Children’s Services Directorate SP25 proposals (CS16 School Transport – Continuous Improvement and CS18 School Tranport – Post-16 Service Changes) required public consultation.
It was proposed to establish a Working Group which could make independent recommendations to the wider Select Committee on the approach to the consultation, and the findings from this, to support and inform the Committee’s scrutiny of the final savings proposals that will be put forward for consideration by Cabinet.
Members proposed that the membership of the Working Group be amended within the Terms of Reference at section 6.1 as below. All Members of the Select Committee were in agreement with this change.
‘The Task and Finish Working Group shall be a cross-party group made up of Members of the Children and Young People Select Committee consisting of a total of 9 Members (5 Conservative Group, 2 Liberal Democrat Group, 1 Labour Group and 1 Independent Group).’
RESOLVED:
That the Children and Young People Select Committee agree:
a) To set up a Task and Finish Working Group to oversee and scrutinise the approach and outcomes of the Children’s Services directorate’s SP25 Phase 2 savings proposals, which are subject to Stage 2 Consultations.
b) The proposed Terms of Reference for the Task and Finish Working Group with the amended membership of 9 members (5 Conservative Group, 2 Liberal Democrat Group, 1 Labour Group and 1 Independent Group).
c) To appoint Councillors Henderson, Drew, Hayre, North, Meenaghan, Porter, Bains, Tustain and Parker-Jones to the Task and Finish Working Group.
d) To appoint Councillor Henderson as the Chairman of the Task and Finish Working Group.
e) To delegate to the Select Committee Chairman (in consultation with the Director of Children’s Services) decisions on the timings for when the Task and Finish Working Groups will meet.
Consultation relating to Children’s Services SP25 phase 2 savings proposals.
Members noted that two of the Children’s Services Directorate SP25 proposals (CS16 School Transport – Continuous Improvement and CS18 School Tranport – Post-16 Service Changes) required public consultation.
It was proposed to establish a Working Group which could make independent recommendations to the wider Select Committee on the approach to the consultation, and the findings from this, to support and inform the Committee’s scrutiny of the final savings proposals that will be put forward for consideration by Cabinet.
Members proposed that the membership of the Working Group be amended within the Terms of Reference at section 6.1 as below. All Members of the Select Committee were in agreement with this change.
‘The Task and Finish Working Group shall be a cross-party group made up of Members of the Children and Young People Select Committee consisting of a total of 9 Members (5 Conservative Group, 2 Liberal Democrat Group, 1 Labour Group and 1 Independent Group).’
RESOLVED:
That the Children and Young People Select Committee agree:
a) To set up a Task and Finish Working Group to oversee and scrutinise the approach and outcomes of the Children’s Services directorate’s SP25 Phase 2 savings proposals, which are subject to Stage 2 Consultations.
b) The proposed Terms of Reference for the Task and Finish Working Group with the amended membership of 9 members (5 Conservative Group, 2 Liberal Democrat Group, 1 Labour Group and 1 Independent Group).
c) To appoint Councillors Henderson, Drew, Hayre, North, Meenaghan, Porter, Bains, Tustain and Parker-Jones to the Task and Finish Working Group.
d) To appoint Councillor Henderson as the Chairman of the Task and Finish Working Group.
e) To delegate to the Select Committee Chairman (in consultation with the Director of Children’s Services) decisions on the timings for when the Task and Finish Working Groups will meet.
9
Work Programme
To consider and approve the Children and Young People Select Committee Work Programme.
Attachments:
- Document Children and Young People Select Committee Work Programme - master copy 14 Jan 2025
Minutes
The Committee considered the Work Programme.
RESOLVED:
That the Children and Young People Select Committee discussed and agreed potential items for the work programme that can be prioritised and allocated by the Chairman of the Children and Young People Select Committee in consultation with the Director of Children’s Services.
RESOLVED:
That the Children and Young People Select Committee discussed and agreed potential items for the work programme that can be prioritised and allocated by the Chairman of the Children and Young People Select Committee in consultation with the Director of Children’s Services.
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