Hampshire County Council
Councillors:
78
Wards:
76
Committees:
49
Meetings (2026):
57
Meetings (2025):
155
Meeting
Children and Young People Select Committee - Hampshire
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Monday, 14th July 2025
2:00 PM
Monday, 14th July 2025
2:00 PM
End:
Monday, 14th July 2025
6:00 PM
Monday, 14th July 2025
6:00 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed; SP25 Phase 2
Confirmed; SP25 Phase 2
Date:
14 Jul 2025
14 Jul 2025
Location:
Ashburton Hall, Elizabeth II Court, The Castle, Winchester
Ashburton Hall, Elizabeth II Court, The Castle, Winchester
Meeting Attendees
Independent Group Deputy
Independent Group Spokesperson
Vice Chairman of the Council
Committee Member
Liberal Democrats Spokesperson
Co-opted Member
Catholic Schools Representative - Vacancy
Catholic Schools Representative
Not required
Co-opted Member
Robert Sanders
Church of England Schools Representative
Present, as expected
Co-opted Member
Christie Franklin
Parent Governor for Special Schools
Absent
Agenda
1
Apologies for Absence
To receive any apologies for absence.
Minutes
Apologies were received from Councillor Drew, Councillor Wade and Gemma Rainger.
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 22042025 1000 Children and Young People Select Committee 04 Jul 2025
Minutes
The Minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed as a correct record.
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 encouraged Members to visit the recently opened Hockley House if they were able. The Chairman noted that Hockley House was jointly run and funded by Hampshire County Council and NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight and was the first children’s residential home in the county to combine social care, health care, and education in a single setting.
The Chairman also thanked Gemma Rainger for her tenure as a co-opted member of the Select Committee following Gemma’s decision to stand down. The newly appointed Parent Governor for Primary Schools co-optee, Kirsty Bouchard, would be formally appointed ahead of the next meeting.
The Chairman also thanked Gemma Rainger for her tenure as a co-opted member of the Select Committee following Gemma’s decision to stand down. The newly appointed Parent Governor for Primary Schools co-optee, Kirsty Bouchard, would be formally appointed ahead of the next meeting.
6
Report of the Children and Young People SP25 Working Group
To consider a report from the Children and Young People Select Committee Task & Finish Working Group, which looked at the savings proposals to be taken to Cabinet.
Attachments:
- Document SP25 Phase 2 Consultation - CSD Select Committee Working Group Report - Version 2 04 Jul 2025
Minutes
The Committee reviewed the report of the SP25 Task and Finish Working Group.
Members acknowledged that the Working Group had convened on three occasions to review the Spring 2025 Future Services Consultation process and to evaluate the feedback received. The Committee noted the Group’s suggestions and the scrutiny which had been undertaken. Additionally, it was noted that the Working Group had proposed an extra recommendation, which was incorporated into the main report and highlighted as Recommendation 6 on page 11 of the meeting pack.
The Committee discussed the income threshold of £16,190, which had been set to align with the national criteria for Free School Meals. Some Members expressed concern that this threshold may be too low. Officers provided reassurance that if a family's contribution to school transport would reduce their income below this threshold, the contribution would be waived. This safeguard was formally documented within the transport policy. The Committee encouraged officers to ensure that families were made aware of this provision.
Officers further assured Members that discretion and professional judgement would continue to be applied to individual family circumstances. It was also confirmed that parents would continue to be responsible for notifying the County Council of any changes in their financial situation regarding school transport contributions. Once notified, adjustments could be made swiftly—typically within 72 hours.
Members requested that one word within the recommendations be amended (Recommendation 5 on page 9 of the pack). The Committee were in favour of the change, removing the word ‘support’ and replacing it with the word ‘note’ which is set out below:
‘That the Working Group agree that due consideration has been given to all consultation responses, that Officers had taken account of consultation feedback within their recommendations, and they support note the following Officer recommendations:’
RESOLVED:
The Children and Young People Select Committee note:
3. That the cross-party Working Group held three meetings between 24 February 2025 and 20 June 2025 and had the opportunity to discuss the consultation process and the consultation feedback.
4. That following this scrutiny the Working Group unanimously agreed that the Consultation had been a comprehensive process which had given residents the information and opportunity to make reasoned responses and that it provided the County Council with the necessary information to consider the impacts of the proposal on the residents of Hampshire.
5. That the Working Group agree that due consideration has been given to all consultation responses, that Officers had taken account of consultation feedback within their recommendations, and they note the following Officer recommendations:
Post-16 Only:
· Recommendation 1 – to note the outcome of the Future Services Consultation – Spring 2025 in relation to the proposed changes to Post-16 Transport.
· Recommendation 2 – that Cabinet approves focussing the County Council’s resources on those most in need, by amending the eligibility criteria for Post-16 transport assistance so that the County Council would only assist with travel for Post-16 students with special educational needs or a disability, and who are from a low-income family.
· Recommendation 3 – that Cabinet approves making Post-16 transport provision more sustainable in the long term by requiring all families of students who receive County Council-provided Post-16 transport assistance to contribute to the costs of transport for their child.
· Recommendation 4 – that Cabinet approves supporting SEND students to develop their independent travel skills by introducing mandatory Independent Travel Training (ITT) for some Post-16 students.
· Recommendation 5 – that Cabinet approves making Post-16 Transport provision more sustainable in the long-term by requiring parents/carers/responsible adults to act as a Passenger Assistant where it is reasonable for them to do so.
· Recommendation 6 – that Cabinet notes that the County Council will retain the ability to award transport outside of policy in exceptional circumstances, which will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
· Recommendation 7 - that Cabinet approves that the changes to Policy outlined in recommendations 2 and 3 will only apply to Post-16 students starting a new course from September 2026. Transport approved for previous years will remain in place if the student’s circumstances (course, address and needs) remain the same.
· Recommendation 8 – that Cabinet approves the proposed changes to the Post-16 Policy to reflect recommendations 2 – 7.
Both School Transport and Post-16:
· Recommendation 1 – to note the outcome of the Future Services Consultation – Spring 2025 in relation to the proposed changes to the School Transport and Post-16 Transport services.
· Recommendation 2 – that Cabinet approves the use of bus pass usage data to deactivate bus passes on School Transport contracted buses where they are not used.
· Recommendation 3 – that Cabinet approves the use of licensed standing capacity on large buses transporting children to mainstream settings in exceptional circumstances.
· Recommendation 4 – that Cabinet approves an increase in parental contributions towards discretionary transport.
· Recommendation 5 – that Cabinet approves a change to the transport commissioning process so that public transport season tickets and personal transport budgets are prioritised over contracted transport where this is appropriate and more cost effective.
· Recommendation 6 – that Cabinet approves the proposed changes to the School Transport and Post-16 Policies to reflect recommendations 2 – 5.
6. If a decision is taken to go ahead with the proposals, the Working Group would also emphasise their endorsement of the Officers use of the existing exceptions policy as described in recommendation 6 of the Post-16 Only Officer recommendations.
Members acknowledged that the Working Group had convened on three occasions to review the Spring 2025 Future Services Consultation process and to evaluate the feedback received. The Committee noted the Group’s suggestions and the scrutiny which had been undertaken. Additionally, it was noted that the Working Group had proposed an extra recommendation, which was incorporated into the main report and highlighted as Recommendation 6 on page 11 of the meeting pack.
The Committee discussed the income threshold of £16,190, which had been set to align with the national criteria for Free School Meals. Some Members expressed concern that this threshold may be too low. Officers provided reassurance that if a family's contribution to school transport would reduce their income below this threshold, the contribution would be waived. This safeguard was formally documented within the transport policy. The Committee encouraged officers to ensure that families were made aware of this provision.
Officers further assured Members that discretion and professional judgement would continue to be applied to individual family circumstances. It was also confirmed that parents would continue to be responsible for notifying the County Council of any changes in their financial situation regarding school transport contributions. Once notified, adjustments could be made swiftly—typically within 72 hours.
Members requested that one word within the recommendations be amended (Recommendation 5 on page 9 of the pack). The Committee were in favour of the change, removing the word ‘support’ and replacing it with the word ‘note’ which is set out below:
‘That the Working Group agree that due consideration has been given to all consultation responses, that Officers had taken account of consultation feedback within their recommendations, and they support note the following Officer recommendations:’
RESOLVED:
The Children and Young People Select Committee note:
3. That the cross-party Working Group held three meetings between 24 February 2025 and 20 June 2025 and had the opportunity to discuss the consultation process and the consultation feedback.
4. That following this scrutiny the Working Group unanimously agreed that the Consultation had been a comprehensive process which had given residents the information and opportunity to make reasoned responses and that it provided the County Council with the necessary information to consider the impacts of the proposal on the residents of Hampshire.
5. That the Working Group agree that due consideration has been given to all consultation responses, that Officers had taken account of consultation feedback within their recommendations, and they note the following Officer recommendations:
Post-16 Only:
· Recommendation 1 – to note the outcome of the Future Services Consultation – Spring 2025 in relation to the proposed changes to Post-16 Transport.
· Recommendation 2 – that Cabinet approves focussing the County Council’s resources on those most in need, by amending the eligibility criteria for Post-16 transport assistance so that the County Council would only assist with travel for Post-16 students with special educational needs or a disability, and who are from a low-income family.
· Recommendation 3 – that Cabinet approves making Post-16 transport provision more sustainable in the long term by requiring all families of students who receive County Council-provided Post-16 transport assistance to contribute to the costs of transport for their child.
· Recommendation 4 – that Cabinet approves supporting SEND students to develop their independent travel skills by introducing mandatory Independent Travel Training (ITT) for some Post-16 students.
· Recommendation 5 – that Cabinet approves making Post-16 Transport provision more sustainable in the long-term by requiring parents/carers/responsible adults to act as a Passenger Assistant where it is reasonable for them to do so.
· Recommendation 6 – that Cabinet notes that the County Council will retain the ability to award transport outside of policy in exceptional circumstances, which will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
· Recommendation 7 - that Cabinet approves that the changes to Policy outlined in recommendations 2 and 3 will only apply to Post-16 students starting a new course from September 2026. Transport approved for previous years will remain in place if the student’s circumstances (course, address and needs) remain the same.
· Recommendation 8 – that Cabinet approves the proposed changes to the Post-16 Policy to reflect recommendations 2 – 7.
Both School Transport and Post-16:
· Recommendation 1 – to note the outcome of the Future Services Consultation – Spring 2025 in relation to the proposed changes to the School Transport and Post-16 Transport services.
· Recommendation 2 – that Cabinet approves the use of bus pass usage data to deactivate bus passes on School Transport contracted buses where they are not used.
· Recommendation 3 – that Cabinet approves the use of licensed standing capacity on large buses transporting children to mainstream settings in exceptional circumstances.
· Recommendation 4 – that Cabinet approves an increase in parental contributions towards discretionary transport.
· Recommendation 5 – that Cabinet approves a change to the transport commissioning process so that public transport season tickets and personal transport budgets are prioritised over contracted transport where this is appropriate and more cost effective.
· Recommendation 6 – that Cabinet approves the proposed changes to the School Transport and Post-16 Policies to reflect recommendations 2 – 5.
6. If a decision is taken to go ahead with the proposals, the Working Group would also emphasise their endorsement of the Officers use of the existing exceptions policy as described in recommendation 6 of the Post-16 Only Officer recommendations.
7
Pre-Scrutiny of SP25 Proposals
To pre-scrutinise the following SP25 savings proposals going to Cabinet:
· Post 16 Transport
· School Transport
· Post 16 Transport
· School Transport
Attachments:
- Document SP25 Phase 2 Consultation Select Committee Cover Report 04 Jul 2025
- Document SP25 Phase 2 savings proposal - Cabinet Report 18 July 2025 04 Jul 2025
- Document SP25 Phase 2 Consultation Cabinet Report - Appendix 3 Post-16 Transport 04 Jul 2025
- Document SP25 Phase 2 Consultation Cabinet Report - Appendix 4 School Transport and Post-16 Transport 04 Jul 2025
- Document SP25 Phase 2 Consultation Equalities Impact Assessment - Post-16 Transport 04 Jul 2025
- Document SP25 Phase 2 Consultation Equalities Impact Assessment - School Transport and Post-16 Transport 04 Jul 2025
Minutes
The Committee considered the report setting out SP25 proposals for Children’s Services following the feedback from the Future Services Consultation and the review of the Committee’s Working Group.
Members noted that, in relation to Children’s Services, the consultation sought feedback on the potential impacts of two proposals—Post-16 Transport Only and School Transport and Post-16 Transport—which were intended to contribute to the Phase 2 Savings Programme 2025. It was acknowledged that Cabinet was due to consider these recommendations at its meeting on 18 July 2025, alongside savings proposals from other Directorates and that this would follow a process of pre-scrutiny by the relevant Select Committees.
The Committee held detailed discussions on both proposals and covered the points below:
Changes to Post-16 Transport Only:
· Increasing parental contributions towards travel costs.
· Introducing independent travel training for young people.
· Encouraging parents to act as passenger assistants where appropriate.
· Amending eligibility criteria so that travel assistance was limited to Post-16 students with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) who were also from low-income families.
Changes to School Transport and Post-16 Transport:
· Using bus pass data to identify and deactivate unused passes.
· Making use of the full licensed capacity of buses in exceptional circumstances.
· Increasing parental financial contributions towards travel costs.
· Prioritising the use of public transport season tickets and personal transport budgets where feasible.
In response to the Committee’s questions, it was confirmed that:
· Independent travel training may not be suitable for all students, as its effectiveness depends on individual circumstances. Training would only be considered mandatory where it is deemed beneficial to the student.
· The County Council collaborates with bus companies to raise awareness among drivers about the inexperience of young people who are new to independent travel. This aims to foster a supportive and informed approach to safeguarding young passengers.
· Bus drivers remained responsible for the safe operation of their vehicles, including the appropriate management of onboard luggage.
· Officers plan to engage with the Hampshire Parent Carer Network to gather parental perspectives on the funding and support gap affecting young people aged 16 to 18. This gap arises because travel funding typically ends at age 16, while adult funding does not begin until age 18. It was acknowledged that capturing lived experiences from parents is essential to understanding and addressing this issue.
The Committee voted on the recommendations. The outcome of the vote was as below:
For: 11
Against: 5
Abstain: 1
RESOLVED:
That the Select Committee:
1. Supports the recommendations made by officers to the Cabinet set out in Appendix 3 of the Report to Cabinet, as detailed below:
· Recommendation 1 – to note the outcome of the Future Services Consultation – Spring 2025 in relation to the proposed changes to Post-16 Transport.
· Recommendation 2 – that Cabinet approves focussing the County Council’s resources on those most in need, by amending the eligibility criteria for Post-16 transport assistance so that the County Council would only assist with travel for Post-16 students with special educational needs or a disability, and who are from a low-income family.
· Recommendation 3 – that Cabinet approves making Post-16 transport provision more sustainable in the long term by requiring all families of students who receive County Council-provided Post-16 transport assistance to contribute to the costs of transport for their child.
· Recommendation 4 – that Cabinet approves supporting SEND students to develop their independent travel skills by introducing mandatory Independent Travel Training (ITT) for some Post-16 students.
· Recommendation 5 – that Cabinet approves making Post-16 Transport provision more sustainable in the long-term by requiring parents/carers/responsible adults to act as a Passenger Assistant where it is reasonable for them to do so.
· Recommendation 6 – that Cabinet notes that the County Council will retain the ability to award transport outside of policy in exceptional circumstances, which will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
· Recommendation 7 - that Cabinet approves that the changes to Policy outlined in recommendations 2 and 3 will only apply to Post-16 students starting a new course from September 2026. Transport approved for previous years will remain in place if the student’s circumstances (course, address and needs) remain the same.
· Recommendation 8 – that Cabinet approves the proposed changes to the Post-16 Policy to reflect recommendations 2 – 7.
2. Supports the recommendations made by officers to the Cabinet set out in Appendix 4 of the Report to Cabinet, as detailed below:
· Recommendation 1 – to note the outcome of the Future Services Consultation – Spring 2025 in relation to the proposed changes to the School Transport and Post-16 Transport services.
· Recommendation 2 – that Cabinet approves the use of bus pass usage data to deactivate bus passes on School Transport contracted buses where they are not used.
· Recommendation 3 – that Cabinet approves the use of licensed standing capacity on large buses transporting children to mainstream settings in exceptional circumstances.
· Recommendation 4 – that Cabinet approves an increase in parental contributions towards discretionary transport
· Recommendation 5 – that Cabinet approves a change to the transport commissioning process so that public transport season tickets and personal transport budgets are prioritised over contracted transport where this is appropriate and more cost effective.
· Recommendation 6 – that Cabinet approves the proposed changes to the School Transport and Post-16 Policies to reflect recommendations 2 – 5.
Members noted that, in relation to Children’s Services, the consultation sought feedback on the potential impacts of two proposals—Post-16 Transport Only and School Transport and Post-16 Transport—which were intended to contribute to the Phase 2 Savings Programme 2025. It was acknowledged that Cabinet was due to consider these recommendations at its meeting on 18 July 2025, alongside savings proposals from other Directorates and that this would follow a process of pre-scrutiny by the relevant Select Committees.
The Committee held detailed discussions on both proposals and covered the points below:
Changes to Post-16 Transport Only:
· Increasing parental contributions towards travel costs.
· Introducing independent travel training for young people.
· Encouraging parents to act as passenger assistants where appropriate.
· Amending eligibility criteria so that travel assistance was limited to Post-16 students with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) who were also from low-income families.
Changes to School Transport and Post-16 Transport:
· Using bus pass data to identify and deactivate unused passes.
· Making use of the full licensed capacity of buses in exceptional circumstances.
· Increasing parental financial contributions towards travel costs.
· Prioritising the use of public transport season tickets and personal transport budgets where feasible.
In response to the Committee’s questions, it was confirmed that:
· Independent travel training may not be suitable for all students, as its effectiveness depends on individual circumstances. Training would only be considered mandatory where it is deemed beneficial to the student.
· The County Council collaborates with bus companies to raise awareness among drivers about the inexperience of young people who are new to independent travel. This aims to foster a supportive and informed approach to safeguarding young passengers.
· Bus drivers remained responsible for the safe operation of their vehicles, including the appropriate management of onboard luggage.
· Officers plan to engage with the Hampshire Parent Carer Network to gather parental perspectives on the funding and support gap affecting young people aged 16 to 18. This gap arises because travel funding typically ends at age 16, while adult funding does not begin until age 18. It was acknowledged that capturing lived experiences from parents is essential to understanding and addressing this issue.
The Committee voted on the recommendations. The outcome of the vote was as below:
For: 11
Against: 5
Abstain: 1
RESOLVED:
That the Select Committee:
1. Supports the recommendations made by officers to the Cabinet set out in Appendix 3 of the Report to Cabinet, as detailed below:
· Recommendation 1 – to note the outcome of the Future Services Consultation – Spring 2025 in relation to the proposed changes to Post-16 Transport.
· Recommendation 2 – that Cabinet approves focussing the County Council’s resources on those most in need, by amending the eligibility criteria for Post-16 transport assistance so that the County Council would only assist with travel for Post-16 students with special educational needs or a disability, and who are from a low-income family.
· Recommendation 3 – that Cabinet approves making Post-16 transport provision more sustainable in the long term by requiring all families of students who receive County Council-provided Post-16 transport assistance to contribute to the costs of transport for their child.
· Recommendation 4 – that Cabinet approves supporting SEND students to develop their independent travel skills by introducing mandatory Independent Travel Training (ITT) for some Post-16 students.
· Recommendation 5 – that Cabinet approves making Post-16 Transport provision more sustainable in the long-term by requiring parents/carers/responsible adults to act as a Passenger Assistant where it is reasonable for them to do so.
· Recommendation 6 – that Cabinet notes that the County Council will retain the ability to award transport outside of policy in exceptional circumstances, which will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
· Recommendation 7 - that Cabinet approves that the changes to Policy outlined in recommendations 2 and 3 will only apply to Post-16 students starting a new course from September 2026. Transport approved for previous years will remain in place if the student’s circumstances (course, address and needs) remain the same.
· Recommendation 8 – that Cabinet approves the proposed changes to the Post-16 Policy to reflect recommendations 2 – 7.
2. Supports the recommendations made by officers to the Cabinet set out in Appendix 4 of the Report to Cabinet, as detailed below:
· Recommendation 1 – to note the outcome of the Future Services Consultation – Spring 2025 in relation to the proposed changes to the School Transport and Post-16 Transport services.
· Recommendation 2 – that Cabinet approves the use of bus pass usage data to deactivate bus passes on School Transport contracted buses where they are not used.
· Recommendation 3 – that Cabinet approves the use of licensed standing capacity on large buses transporting children to mainstream settings in exceptional circumstances.
· Recommendation 4 – that Cabinet approves an increase in parental contributions towards discretionary transport
· Recommendation 5 – that Cabinet approves a change to the transport commissioning process so that public transport season tickets and personal transport budgets are prioritised over contracted transport where this is appropriate and more cost effective.
· Recommendation 6 – that Cabinet approves the proposed changes to the School Transport and Post-16 Policies to reflect recommendations 2 – 5.
8
Children in Care and Care Leavers Annual Reports
To receive an annual report on Children in Care with a focus on County Councillor’s role as Corporate Parents and the work of the Corporate Parenting Board.
Attachments:
- Document Children in Care cover sheet 04 Jul 2025
- Document Children in Care Annual Report 2024-2025 04 Jul 2025
Minutes
The Committee considered Agenda Items 8 and 9 together, receiving a joint presentation that covered both the annual Children in Care report and the annual Care Leavers report.
In response to questions from the Committee, it was confirmed that:
· Efforts were underway to appoint a Housing Officer/representative to serve on the Corporate Parenting Board.
· Work was progressing on exploring the use of free language applications to support young people for whom English was not a first language. Further details on available programmes would be presented to the Corporate Parenting Board at a future meeting.
· In certain cases, it was necessary to find placements for children more than 20 miles from their home due to family circumstances and the increasing complexity of needs amongst some young people.
· Children in care were prioritised by CAMHS; however, the County Council did not have additional powers to fast-track referrals beyond this.
The Committee expressed concern about the use of the term “former relevant child” to describe young people who had previously been in care. Whilst the Committee acknowledged that this was a nationally recognised term, Members noted that officers had already identified it as an issue. The Chairman expressed a desire to write to the Minister to request a review of the terminology, advocating for language that is more considerate and compassionate.
RESOLVED:
i. That the Children and Young People Select Committee note the Children in Care annual report.
ii. That the Children and Young People Select Committee note the Care Leavers annual report.
iii. That the Chairman writes to the Minister regarding the use of terminology to describe young people with care experience.
In response to questions from the Committee, it was confirmed that:
· Efforts were underway to appoint a Housing Officer/representative to serve on the Corporate Parenting Board.
· Work was progressing on exploring the use of free language applications to support young people for whom English was not a first language. Further details on available programmes would be presented to the Corporate Parenting Board at a future meeting.
· In certain cases, it was necessary to find placements for children more than 20 miles from their home due to family circumstances and the increasing complexity of needs amongst some young people.
· Children in care were prioritised by CAMHS; however, the County Council did not have additional powers to fast-track referrals beyond this.
The Committee expressed concern about the use of the term “former relevant child” to describe young people who had previously been in care. Whilst the Committee acknowledged that this was a nationally recognised term, Members noted that officers had already identified it as an issue. The Chairman expressed a desire to write to the Minister to request a review of the terminology, advocating for language that is more considerate and compassionate.
RESOLVED:
i. That the Children and Young People Select Committee note the Children in Care annual report.
ii. That the Children and Young People Select Committee note the Care Leavers annual report.
iii. That the Chairman writes to the Minister regarding the use of terminology to describe young people with care experience.
10
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 04 Jul 2025
Minutes
The Director of People and Organisation presented the Committee’s 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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