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:
Tuesday, 10th March 2026
10:00 AM
Tuesday, 10th March 2026
10:00 AM
End:
Tuesday, 10th March 2026
2:00 PM
Tuesday, 10th March 2026
2:00 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
10 Mar 2026
10 Mar 2026
Location:
Ashburton Hall, Elizabeth II Court, The Castle, Winchester
Ashburton Hall, Elizabeth II Court, The Castle, Winchester
Meeting Attendees
Vice-Chairman
Councillor Phil North
Apologies
Liberal Democrats Spokesperson
Committee Member
Councillor Jackie Branson
Apologies, sent representative
Committee Member
Councillor Ann Briggs
Apologies
Committee Member
Councillor Pamela Bryant
Present, as expected
Committee Member
Councillor Jonathan Glen
Present, as expected
Committee Member
Councillor Arun Mummalaneni
Absent
Independent Group Spokesperson
Vice Chairman of the Council
Labour Spokesperson
Councillor Jacky Tustain
Present, as expected
Co-opted Member
Robert Sanders
Church of England Schools Representative
Apologies
Co-opted Member
Kirsty Whitty
Parent Governor for Primary Schools
Present, as expected
Co-opted Member
Christie Franklin
Parent Governor for Special Schools
Absent
Conservative Deputy
Councillor Tim Davies
Present, as substitute
Conservative Deputy
Councillor Christopher Donnelly
Not required
Conservative Deputy
Councillor Andrew Joy
Not required
Conservative Deputy
Councillor Lance Quantrill
Not required
Conservative Deputy
Councillor Keith Mans
Not required
Conservative Deputy
Councillor Bill Withers Lt Col (Retd)
Not required
Liberal Democrats Deputy
Councillor Wayne Irish
Not required
Liberal Democrats Deputy
Councillor Roger Price
Not required
Labour Deputy
Councillor Alex Crawford
Not required
Labour Deputy
Councillor Kim Taylor
Not required
Independent Group Deputy
Councillor Sarah Pankhurst
Not required
Independent Group Deputy
Independent Group Deputy
Councillor Malcolm Wallace
Not required
Co-opted Member
Catholic Schools Representative - Vacancy
Catholic Schools Representative
Expected
Agenda
1
Apologies for Absence
To receive any apologies for absence.
Minutes
Apologies were received from Councillors Branson, Briggs and North. Councillor Davies was in attendance as a deputy.
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 21012026 1000 Children and Young People Select Committee 02 Mar 2026
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 reported on a recent visit to Hockley House, the jointly developed project with NHS colleagues supporting children with significant needs. The staff team were commended for their skill, professionalism and insight and Members heard that the setting represented a strong example of effective partnership working. The Chairman noted that it would be valuable for the service managers, Helen and Zoe, to attend a future meeting to share learning and good practice.
The Chairman also noted that this would be the final Select Committee meeting for Stuart Ashley, Director of Children’s Services, who would be retiring shortly after completing 40 years of service with the County Council. The Committee expressed their sincere and heartfelt thanks to Stuart for his long-standing commitment and his dedication to improving the lives of children and young people and they wished him every success in his retirement.
The Chairman also noted that this would be the final Select Committee meeting for Stuart Ashley, Director of Children’s Services, who would be retiring shortly after completing 40 years of service with the County Council. The Committee expressed their sincere and heartfelt thanks to Stuart for his long-standing commitment and his dedication to improving the lives of children and young people and they wished him every success in his retirement.
6
Best Start Family Hubs
To provide an update on the roll out of the Department for Education initiative Best Start Family Hubs.
Attachments:
- Document Best Start Family Hubs Select Committee Report March 2026 02 Mar 2026
- Document EIA0980 - Best Start Family Hubs 02 Mar 2026
- Document Agenda Item 6 - presentation - Best Start Family Hubs 02 Mar 2026
Minutes
The Committee received a presentation on the development and rollout of Family Hubs as part of the wider Best Start in Life strategy. Members heard that the programme brought together maternity, health visiting, early years, education, public health and family services within a whole?system approach. A key aim was to improve the Good Level of Development (GLD) for children by age five.
The Committee was informed of the evidence?based interventions underpinning the programme, including parenting programmes and Home Learning Environment initiatives and noted that Hampshire’s work in this area had been recognised nationally. Members welcomed confirmation that the first hub in Leigh Park would open ahead of schedule and that further hubs in Gosport, Alton and Andover were being advanced based on deprivation and GLD data.
Officers outlined the ‘hub?and?spoke’ model designed to support rural communities, emphasised strong engagement with local partners and explained the mapping work undertaken to avoid duplication of existing community provision. Members discussed a range of matters including future hub locations, rural accessibility, engagement with seldom?heard groups, the role of health partners and identification of hidden deprivation.
RESOLVED:
That the Children and Young People Select Committee note the progress of the Best Start Family Hubs programme.
The Committee was informed of the evidence?based interventions underpinning the programme, including parenting programmes and Home Learning Environment initiatives and noted that Hampshire’s work in this area had been recognised nationally. Members welcomed confirmation that the first hub in Leigh Park would open ahead of schedule and that further hubs in Gosport, Alton and Andover were being advanced based on deprivation and GLD data.
Officers outlined the ‘hub?and?spoke’ model designed to support rural communities, emphasised strong engagement with local partners and explained the mapping work undertaken to avoid duplication of existing community provision. Members discussed a range of matters including future hub locations, rural accessibility, engagement with seldom?heard groups, the role of health partners and identification of hidden deprivation.
RESOLVED:
That the Children and Young People Select Committee note the progress of the Best Start Family Hubs programme.
7
White Paper SEND reforms
To provide a brief overview of the reforms to the schools and SEND systems in England.
Attachments:
- Document Agenda Item 7 - presentation - White Paper SEND reforms 02 Mar 2026
Minutes
The Committee received a presentation summarising the Government’s White Paper Every Child Achieving and Thriving, along with the associated national consultation on SEND reforms.
Members heard that the reforms sought to strengthen early intervention, refocus the use of EHCPs, expand Resourced Provision in schools and develop a more coherent education and skills pathway from early years through to adulthood. Members noted the emphasis on disadvantage, inclusion and the broadening of educational experience.
Key features of the proposed tiered support model and the anticipated long implementation timeline were outlined.
Members sought clarification on matters including raising ambition for disadvantaged pupils, improving early support to reduce tribunal pressures, the rebalancing of academic and vocational pathways, parental confidence and the implications of local government reorganisation. Officers highlighted the strong performance already established in Hampshire and the alignment between the reforms and existing local priorities.
RESOLVED:
That the Children and Young People Select Committee note the update on the Government’s White Paper and the ongoing SEND reforms consultation.
Members heard that the reforms sought to strengthen early intervention, refocus the use of EHCPs, expand Resourced Provision in schools and develop a more coherent education and skills pathway from early years through to adulthood. Members noted the emphasis on disadvantage, inclusion and the broadening of educational experience.
Key features of the proposed tiered support model and the anticipated long implementation timeline were outlined.
Members sought clarification on matters including raising ambition for disadvantaged pupils, improving early support to reduce tribunal pressures, the rebalancing of academic and vocational pathways, parental confidence and the implications of local government reorganisation. Officers highlighted the strong performance already established in Hampshire and the alignment between the reforms and existing local priorities.
RESOLVED:
That the Children and Young People Select Committee note the update on the Government’s White Paper and the ongoing SEND reforms consultation.
8
Attendance - an overview of the measures in place in Hampshire Schools to reduce persistent and severe absenteeism
To provide an overview of school attendance in Hampshire, including the measures in place to reduce persistent and severe absenteeism.
Attachments:
- Document 2026-03-10 - CYPSC - Attendance Report 02 Mar 2026
- Document Agenda Item 8 - presentation - Attendance 02 Mar 2026
Minutes
The Committee received a presentation on school attendance, including persistent and severe absenteeism. Members heard that Hampshire’s overall attendance remained better than national and that both persistent and severe absence rates had improved. Officers outlined the support?first model, the development of Attendance Hubs, targeted support meetings, stronger data use and collaboration with partners including health and domestic abuse services.
Members discussed the effectiveness of trauma?informed practice, changes in pupil cohorts, suspension practice, the impact of disadvantage and future challenges including cost?of?living pressures and increasing pupil need.
The Committee received a presentation on school attendance, including persistent and severe absenteeism. Members heard that Hampshire’s overall attendance remained better than national and that both persistent and severe absence rates had improved. Officers outlined the support?first model, the development of Attendance Hubs, targeted support meetings, stronger data use and collaboration with partners including health and domestic abuse services.
Members discussed the effectiveness of trauma?informed practice, changes in pupil cohorts, suspension practice, the impact of disadvantage and future challenges including cost?of?living pressures and increasing pupil need.
RESOLVED:
That the Children and Young People Select Committee note the attendance report.
Members discussed the effectiveness of trauma?informed practice, changes in pupil cohorts, suspension practice, the impact of disadvantage and future challenges including cost?of?living pressures and increasing pupil need.
The Committee received a presentation on school attendance, including persistent and severe absenteeism. Members heard that Hampshire’s overall attendance remained better than national and that both persistent and severe absence rates had improved. Officers outlined the support?first model, the development of Attendance Hubs, targeted support meetings, stronger data use and collaboration with partners including health and domestic abuse services.
Members discussed the effectiveness of trauma?informed practice, changes in pupil cohorts, suspension practice, the impact of disadvantage and future challenges including cost?of?living pressures and increasing pupil need.
RESOLVED:
That the Children and Young People Select Committee note the attendance report.
9
Attainment of Children and Young People in Hampshire Schools 2025
To provide a summary of attainment across Hampshire schools in 2025 at the key points in children and young people’s education.
Attachments:
- Document 2026-03-10 - CYPSC - Attainment Report 02 Mar 2026
- Document Agenda Item 9 - presentation - Attainment 02 Mar 2026
Minutes
The Committee received an overview of educational attainment across all key stages. Members noted strong and improving outcomes in early years, phonics and key stage 2, with Hampshire performance returning to above national levels. At key stage 4, the Basics 4+ measure matched national outcomes, and note was made that Attainment 8 scores in schools were influenced by curriculum variations. Key stage 5 results remained strong across academic, applied general and technical routes.
Members also considered outcomes for vulnerable children, including SEND, disadvantaged pupils, children in care, EAL pupils and those with multiple vulnerabilities. The Committee welcomed evidence that improved attendance, trauma?informed practice, targeted interventions and multi?agency support were positively impacting progress.
RESOLVED:
That the Children and Young People Select Committee note the attainment update.
Members also considered outcomes for vulnerable children, including SEND, disadvantaged pupils, children in care, EAL pupils and those with multiple vulnerabilities. The Committee welcomed evidence that improved attendance, trauma?informed practice, targeted interventions and multi?agency support were positively impacting progress.
RESOLVED:
That the Children and Young People Select Committee note the attainment update.
10
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) 0-25 Update Report - SEND performance and joint working
To provide an update on progress in the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) area including the Local Area Partnership.
Attachments:
- Document 2026-03-10 - CYPSC - SEND Annual Report 02 Mar 2026
- Document Agenda Item 10 - presentation - SEND 02 Mar 2026
Minutes
The Committee received the annual SEND update, including performance trends and developments in joint working across education, health, social care and the Hampshire Parent Carer Network. Members heard that Hampshire continued to see rising complexity and demand, including significant growth in EHCP numbers. Officers reported improvements across various areas including therapy waiting times, early years checks, multi?agency support models, SEND helpline usage, EHCP timeliness and specialist place planning.
Health colleagues provided updates on children’s therapies, CAMHS access, early mental health support and new colocated working arrangements with early help teams.
Members discussed pressures on the system, mental health needs, early identification, supported internships, anxiety among pupils, rising EHCP requests and ongoing challenges in CAMHS capacity.
RESOLVED:
That the Children and Young People Select Committee note the SEND 0–25 performance update and the continued programme of joint working.
Health colleagues provided updates on children’s therapies, CAMHS access, early mental health support and new colocated working arrangements with early help teams.
Members discussed pressures on the system, mental health needs, early identification, supported internships, anxiety among pupils, rising EHCP requests and ongoing challenges in CAMHS capacity.
RESOLVED:
That the Children and Young People Select Committee note the SEND 0–25 performance update and the continued programme of joint working.
11
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 02 Mar 2026
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.
Previous Meetings
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