Agenda and draft minutes

To receive any apologies for absence from Councillors.

Apologies were received from Cllr P Cooper.

It was noted that Cllr T Slade and Cllr S Mackrow attended online.

To receive information on any changes in the membership of the Committee.

Note – When a member of a Committee is unable to attend a meeting of a Committee or Sub-Committee, the relevant Political Group Leader (or their nominated representative) may, by notice to the Monitoring Officer (or their nominated representative) prior to the meeting, appoint a substitute member from within the same Political Group. The contact details on the front of this agenda should be used for notifications.

There were no substitute members on this occasion.

Councillors are requested to declare any interests on items included in this agenda. Please refer to the workflow on the preceding page for guidance.

Declarations received will be reported at the meeting.

Cllr Simon Bull declared an interest in relation to Agenda Item 10 (Home-to-School Transport) as a family member was in receipt of home school transport.

To confirm and sign as a correct record the minutes of the Meeting held on 15 September 2025.

The minutes of the meeting held on 15 September 2025 were confirmed as an accurate record and signed by the Chair.

To consider any outstanding actions.

The Chair highlighted the action sheet and advised the Committee that closed items would be removed.

To receive any public questions, statements or petitions submitted in accordance with the Constitution. Further information on the requirements for submitting these is available to view at the following link:-

https://democracy.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/documents/s2305/Public%20Items%20-%20Meeting%20Procedure%20Rules.pdf 

The deadline for the submission of public questions is 3 clear working days before the meeting.

The deadline for the submission of a statement is midday the working day before the meeting.

The deadline for the submission of a petition is 10 working days before the meeting.

The following questions and statement were received from Mr Adam Sofianos with the answers from the Portfolio Holder set out in response:

Questions from Mr Sofianos:

Q1

The Key Lines of Enquiry paper is an important work, and I thank councillors and officers for coordinating it.

It tells, indirectly, the story of SEND, from over-stretched services to under-supported children. And beyond the council experience, the situation is even worse, with many children waiting years to access diagnosis, struggling daily with their mental health, experiencing systematic unmet needs at school, only to be excluded from their community – because they were deprived of the support which they were entitled to under law.

This is a multi-layered crisis, seemingly without end.  It falls to councils to try to do the best they can, despite it.

One overriding theme in the Enquiry is: how can the deficit be reduced?  Does Council agree that it’s just too big to significantly reduce, that service cuts won’t deliver it, and that only widescale government intervention can achieve this?

Cllr Richard Burton, Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People, provided an answer as follows:

Thank you, Chairman, and thank you, Adam, for your question.

I would also like to thank you for the recognition and understanding of the situation as demonstrated by your question and agree with most of what you say. I've said most, actually, probably more than most, especially the bit that you said it falls to councils to try to do the best they can.

As always, we remain committed to improving outcomes for children and families with special educational needs and disabilities in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. A recent Department of Education review recognised the significant progress that we've made locally: strengthening our partnership, improving governance and restructuring our SEND service. These steps are laying the foundations for lasting improvement.

But like many councils, the demand for SEND services and the cost of delivering fall outstrip the funding available from central government. This continued lack of government intervention to address the growing Dedicated Schools Grant deficit and the current system that has generated and is perpetuating it is not just a local issue.

It's a national crisis that requires urgent action. Without fair and sustainable funding systems, councils will be forced into impossible decisions, with devastating consequences for children and young people and families across the country.

That is why we are calling on government to act. Every child and young person in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole deserves the support they need to thrive, and that cannot happen without immediate reform to the SEND system backed by a sustainable funding model.

It is also why we commissioned this report to understand why BCP Council is experiencing a high deficit and similar authorities, and to endorse a package of improvement that includes early intervention, strengthened Education, Health and Care Plans oversight, expansion of local provision and improved dispute resolution.

These actions are designed to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND by  ...  view the full minutes text for item 35.

To receive a verbal update from the Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs).

The Member of the Youth Parliament provided an update of all the MYPs recent activities, which included:

• Participation in the House of Commons debate on issues affecting young people, with contributions on unpaid internships and knife crime.
• Appointment to the Youth Select Committee, currently focusing on standardising the PSHE curriculum. Written evidence has been gathered, and oral evidence sessions with organisations and the Minister for Education are scheduled. A formal report launch is expected in March 2026.
• Delivery of the Tackling Knife Crime Together event on 1 October at Oakmedians Rugby Club. The event was attended by Dorset Police (including armed response and dog units), local partners, and pupils from Oak Academy. Activities included interactive sessions and a rugby game aimed at breaking down barriers between young people and the police.
• Engagement with the BCP Youth Forum to gather views on key issues and promote youth participation in decision-making.
• Plans for ongoing collaboration with partners to sustain the impact of recent initiatives and encourage wider participation.

The Member of Youth Parliament responded to questions from the Committee. The Committee commended the energy, commitment, and ability to use the platform to influence change. Members welcomed the update and offered support for future initiatives.

To receive a verbal update from John Coughlan regarding the SEND Improvement Journey.

The Committee agreed that this item be deferred to the next meeting of the Children’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

This report responds to a request from the Children’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee key line of enquiry to benchmark BCP Council’s High Needs Block spend and strategic direction against similar local authorities. The purpose is to better understand the wider context of the Council’s High Needs deficit and identify potential strategies for improvement.

This report provides a strategic overview of BCP Council’s High Needs Block position. It also contains comparative data and insights together with an evaluation of the effectiveness of measures taken to address the accumulated Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) deficit.

The report aims to support informed decision-making and provide assurance that all reasonable actions are being considered to address the financial challenges within the High Needs Block. improve financial sustainability and outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

The Director of Education and Skills and the Assistant Chief Financial Officer presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'A' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

This report responded to a request from the Children’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee key line of enquiry to benchmark BCP Council’s High Needs Block spend and strategic direction against similar local authorities. The purpose was to better understand the wider context of the Council’s High Needs deficit and identify potential strategies for improvement.

This report provided a strategic overview of BCP Council’s High Needs Block position. It also contained comparative data and insights together with an evaluation of the effectiveness of measures taken to address the accumulated Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) deficit.

The report aimed to support informed decision-making and provide assurance that all reasonable actions were being considered to address the financial challenges within the High Needs Block, improve financial sustainability and outcomes for children.

The Committee discussed the report, including:

• In a response to a query raised regarding the scale of the High Needs pressures and joint lobbying, the Committee was advised that officers worked with other South West authorities, shared best practice, and used detailed data to strengthen engagement with the Government.
• In response to a query raised regarding anticipated Government policy changes, the Committee was advised that updates were expected in the New Year, with a likely focus on early support systems and multi-agency teams working closer to communities.
• In response to a query raised regarding the commissioning business case, the Committee was advised that the approach aimed to reduce EHCP numbers and reliance on alternative provision, although further work was needed on financial modelling.
• In response to a query raised regarding the engagement with schools and inclusion, the Committee was advised that openness and consistent data sharing were essential, and work was ongoing to secure borough-wide engagement.
• In response to a query raised regarding academy trusts, the Committee was advised that termly meetings with trust Chief Executives provided an opportunity for collaboration.
• In response to a query raised regarding IT systems, the Committee was advised that the SEND Dorset Intelligence and Insight Service supported early notifications and that the Synergy education management system was in place.
• The Committee was advised that AI tools are being used to assist with drafting EHCPs and refining content, but they do not replace practitioner input. It was noted that other local authorities are already using branded solutions for this purpose.
• In response to a query raised regarding post?16 provision, the Committee was advised that bespoke provision had been established urgently to meet immediate need, and steps were being taken to strengthen engagement with schools.
• The Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People advised the Committee that early intervention and multi-agency working were critical to addressing demand pressures and noted ongoing collaboration with other local authorities to share best practice.

RESOLVED that the Committee used the information  ...  view the full minutes text for item 38.

This report provides an analysis of permanent exclusions and suspensions across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP), with a focus on trends over time, comparisons with national and regional data, and the disproportionate impact on vulnerable groups.

Permanent exclusions in BCP have increased significantly in recent years, particularly in secondary and special schools. Pupils with special educational needs (SEND), those eligible for free school meals (FSM), and children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) are consistently overrepresented in exclusion data. While national guidance emphasises that exclusions must be lawful, reasonable, and proportionate, BCP’s figures indicate that these groups continue to face higher rates of exclusion than their peers.

Suspensions have also risen sharply, with BCP’s rates exceeding national, Southwest, and statistical neighbour averages across most phases. The number of pupils receiving one or more suspensions has nearly doubled since 2019/20, with the highest rates observed among pupils with EHCPs and those eligible for FSM.  

This report summarises the policy landscape and national challenges, sets out the council’s strategic intent and framework for action and provides benchmarking data for permanent exclusions by phase, SEND status, and FSM eligibility, followed by a focus on suspensions data across the same dimensions. The analysis aligns with the ambitions of BCP’s Children and Young People’s Partnership Plan, which sets out a vision for every child to lead a fulfilling and happy life. Reducing exclusions and improving outcomes for vulnerable learners remains a shared priority across the partnership and this is central to the work we have been doing to develop a BCP Belonging Strategy.

The Head of Inclusion, Places and Capital presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'B' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

This report provided an analysis of permanent exclusions and suspensions across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP), with a focus on trends over time, comparisons with national and regional data, and the disproportionate impact on vulnerable groups.

Permanent exclusions in BCP had increased significantly in recent years, particularly in secondary and special schools. Pupils with special educational needs (SEND), those eligible for free school meals (FSM), and children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) were consistently overrepresented in exclusion data. While national guidance emphasised that exclusions must be lawful, reasonable, and proportionate, BCP’s figures indicated that these groups continued to face higher rates of exclusion than their peers.

Suspensions had also risen sharply, with BCP’s rates exceeding national, Southwest, and statistical neighbour averages across most phases. The number of pupils receiving one or more suspensions had nearly doubled since 2019/20, with the highest rates observed among pupils with EHCPs and those eligible for FSM.

This report summarised the policy landscape and national challenges, set out the council’s strategic intent and framework for action and provided benchmarking data for permanent exclusions by phase, SEND status, and FSM eligibility, followed by a focus on suspensions data across the same dimensions. The analysis aligned with the ambitions of BCP’s Children and Young People’s Partnership Plan, which set out a vision for every child to lead a fulfilling and happy life. Reducing exclusions and improving outcomes for vulnerable learners remained a shared priority across the partnership and this was central to the work we had been doing to develop a BCP Belonging Strategy.

The Committee discussed the report, including:

• In response to a query raised regarding the impact of current work on exclusion numbers, the Committee was advised that while progress was being made, improvements would take time, with some early signs seen in attendance.
• In response to a query raised regarding consistency of engagement with schools and SENDCOs, the Committee was advised that work was ongoing to ensure a consistent approach and that the SENDCO forum was supported by senior officers. The next stage would include developing a toolkit to strengthen SENDCO confidence.
• In response to a query raised regarding isolation practices, the Committee was advised that schools were required to monitor isolation internally under DfE guidance but were not obliged to report this to the local authority, although it may be reviewed during Ofsted inspections.
• In response to a query raised regarding the three-tier alternative provision model, the Committee was advised that this was being developed to ensure appropriate use of AP and avoid overreliance, with a focus on quality and nurture-based provision.
• The Committee was advised that while there had been an increase in exclusions in special schools, this related to a very small number of pupils within a small cohort.
• In response to a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 39.

This report presents the findings of a strategic review undertaken by an external provider into the Local Authority’s home to school transport arrangements focussing on our arrangements and provision for children and young people pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).  The key objective of the review was to identify strategic and operational opportunities that support the development of independent travel options and make improvements to how home-to-school transport is delivered with a focus on potential efficiencies and service improvement.

It identifies key opportunities to introduce travel options that meet individual needs and help prepare young people for adulthood and promote long-term independence. Key issues include the complexity of transport arrangements, market capacity challenges, and the need for improved commissioning models that deliver better outcomes and value for money. The report presents a range of options and opportunities for future delivery and contained details of the investment necessary to achieve cashable savings and cost avoidance.  

This report seeks approval to proceed with a formal tendering exercise to commission an external provider to implement a phased delivery of change proposals that encourage independent travel, build independence and reduce journey times for children and young people. The approach will be supportive of young people's development to help young people gain confidence and practical skills for travelling safely on their own will result in making school transport more efficient and sustainable.   

The Head of Inclusion, Places and Capital presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'C' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

This report presented the findings of a strategic review undertaken by an external provider into the Local Authority’s home-to-school transport arrangements, focussing on our arrangements and provision for children and young people pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The key objective of the review was to identify strategic and operational opportunities that supported the development of independent travel options and made improvements to how home-to-school transport was delivered with a focus on potential efficiencies and service improvement.

It identified key opportunities to introduce travel options that met individual needs and helped prepare young people for adulthood and promote long-term independence. Key issues included the complexity of transport arrangements, market capacity challenges, and the need for improved commissioning models that delivered better outcomes and value for money. The report presented a range of options and opportunities for future delivery and contained details of the investment necessary to achieve cashable savings and cost avoidance.

This report sought approval to proceed with a formal tendering exercise to commission an external provider to implement a phased delivery of change proposals that encouraged independent travel, built independence and reduced journey times for children and young people. The approach was supportive of young people's development to help young people gain confidence and practical skills for travelling safely on their own and would result in making school transport more efficient and sustainable.

The Committee discussed the report, including:

• In response to a query raised regarding the rationale for commissioning an external provider, the Committee was advised that specialist expertise was required to deliver independent travel training at scale and ensure best practice.
• In response to a query raised regarding the financial implications, the Committee was advised that the proposed investment was expected to deliver significant long-term savings and improve outcomes for young people.
• In response to a query raised regarding the impact on families, the Committee was advised that engagement and communication would be prioritised to ensure changes were introduced gradually and with appropriate support.
• In response to a query raised regarding safeguarding and risk management, the Committee was advised that robust processes would be in place to ensure pupil safety during independent travel training.
• Members queried why an external provider was preferred over an in-house solution. The Committee was advised that the external approach would bring specialist skills, deliver a phased programme at pace, and leave a legacy by upskilling staff, whereas an in-house model would take longer and lack the necessary infrastructure.
• The Committee discussed the three-year phased delivery plan and noted that the proposals represented a package of measures, including route optimisation, commissioning changes, and independent travel training, rather than a single intervention.
• Members raised concerns about balancing efficiency with child welfare and were reassured that route optimisation would be interactive and responsive to individual needs,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 40.

This report provides an overview of the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Sufficiency Strategy 2024-2026. The SEND Sufficiency Strategy is a key part of the Council’s work to deliver a sustainable and stable system, working in partnership to ensure that the needs of children and young people are met, without escalating costs, and supporting delivery of the High Needs Block of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) Recovery Plan.   The strategy is based on updated SEND projections presented in this year’s annual school capacity return.

Given the scale of our immediate challenge, the SEND Sufficiency Strategy describes the actions we have been taking to respond to pressures in the system over a 2-year period. Details of our progress are contained in this report together with a summary of the key themes and strands of work that will be incorporated in a new refreshed SEND and Alternative Provision Improvement Plan that is being developed for publication in May 2026.

The report was circulated for information only with no discussion in Committee and provided an update on the SEND Sufficiency Strategy.

This report provides a performance update for the period April – June 2025 (Quarter 1 2025-26) for the key performance indicators relating to Children’s Services as detailed in the Corporate Performance Scorecard.

It should be noted that these are our amended KPIs and targets for the new financial year. They are based on our previous KPIs and therefore the focus, alignment to corporate priorities and ambitions have not changed. However, minor changes have been made to improve accuracy, clarity and to align with our internal reporting (which is also reviewed annually and set against national comparators whenever possible). 

The report was circulated for information only with no discussion in Committee and provided Children's Services Key Performance Indicators for Q1 2025-26.

This is the annual report of the Statutory Scrutiny Officer on Overview and Scrutiny (O&S) activity within BCP Council.  There is a requirement to report on the work of O&S to the O&S Board and Committees and then to Council.  This promotes visibility of the O&S function and Council ownership of activity and any improvements required. 

The annual report contains a summary and analysis of O&S activity during 2024-25, reflections on working practices and identified improvements to strengthen the O&S function.

This report version is for consideration by the O&S Board and O&S committees, providing opportunity for comment prior to the supply of the final report to Council.  The Council will be the decision maker on any recommendations for change within the report. The final report to Council will be updated to incorporate the views of the O&S Board and Committees on these recommendations.

The report was circulated for information only with no discussion in Committee.

To adopt the Data Use Toolkit and implement it immediately to strengthen Overview & Scrutiny processes.

The report was circulated for information only with no discussion in Committee.

To receive a verbal update from the Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People.

The Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People provided an update which included:

• A follow-up on a question raised at the previous meeting regarding the proportion of Alternative Provision delivered online. The Committee was advised that this data is still not available due to limitations in the current case management system. The issue has been escalated to the system supplier, and alternative options will be explored, including the planned transition to Synergy next year.
• Confirmation that the Ofsted/CQC SEND inspection took place between 3 and 21 November. The Portfolio Holder thanked all staff, partners, and families involved. Initial feedback was positive, and the draft report is expected on 5 December, with publication anticipated around Christmas.
• Details of recent visits, including Court Hill Primary School, Merley First School, Bearwood Primary School, Avonwood Primary School, Bethany CE Junior School, and events such as the Youth Homelessness Action Planning Workshop, Dingley’s Promise Poole site opening, Oak Academy new building opening, Foster Carer Awards, STAR Awards for care-experienced young people, and the opening of Linwood Post-16 Skills Centre.
• Upcoming Cabinet items: Home-to-School Transport and Youth Justice Service Plan, and Dedicated Schools Grant High Needs Expenditure Forecast scheduled for 17 December.

The Overview and Scrutiny (O&S) Committee is asked to consider and identify work priorities for publication in a Work Plan.

The Committee noted the work plan in its current form.

The Overview and Scrutiny Specialist advised that annual work programming would be undertaken with the Committee in the new year. It was also highlighted that the Data Toolkit, listed earlier under the information items, was intended for adoption by the Committee. Members confirmed their agreement to adopt the toolkit.

It was explained that the toolkit would be incorporated into the work programme as a link and would provide a self-serve resource to enable easier access to data.

The Chair confirmed that work programming had not been forgotten and would be addressed in the new year.