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:
Wednesday, 24th June 2026
10:00 AM
Wednesday, 24th June 2026
10:00 AM
End:
Wednesday, 24th June 2026
2:00 PM
Wednesday, 24th June 2026
2:00 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
24 Jun 2026
24 Jun 2026
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
Kirsty Whitty
Parent Governor for Primary Schools
Present, as expected
Co-opted Member
Christie Franklin
Parent Governor for Special Schools
Absent
Co-opted Member
Catholic Schools Representative - Vacancy
Not required
Co-opted Member
Parent Governor for Secondary Schools - Vacancy
Not required
Independent Group Deputy
Vice Chairman of the Council
Co-opted Member
Robert Sanders
Church of England Schools Representative
Absent
Agenda
0
Election of Vice Chairman
The Chairman called for nominations for the position of Vice Chairman for this meeting only. Councillor Ford nominated Councillor Carpenter, and the nomination was seconded by Councillor Poole. As there were no further nominations, Councillor Carpenter was duly elected Vice Chairman for the meeting.
Minutes
1
Apologies for Absence
To receive any apologies for absence.
Minutes
No apologies were received.
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.
Councillor Harding declared a personal interest as a school governor.
Councillor Harding declared a personal interest as a school governor.
3
Minutes of Previous Meeting
To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting.
Attachments:
- Document Printed minutes 10032026 1000 Children and Young People Select Committee 16 Jun 2026
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 welcomed all Members to the first meeting of the Committee post elections. He outlined his background working in the education sector and highlighted his previous political experience, including serving as Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire. The Chairman expressed his commitment to working collaboratively with Members and looked forward to addressing a range of important issues and priorities together in the future.
6
Introduction to Select Committee - Governance
To receive a presentation on the Select Committee process and surrounding Governance.
Attachments:
- Document Governance Slides - CYPSC 24 June 16 Jun 2026
Minutes
The Committee received a presentation outlining the governance arrangements and scrutiny processes set out within the County Council’s Constitution. The presentation covered the legislative framework underpinning scrutiny, together with key practical procedures, including the management of the work programme, committee membership, working groups and the call-in process.
Members requested an example of an urgent key decision that would be exempt from the call-in process. Officers advised that there had not been any recent urgent key decisions within Children’s Services, but agreed to provide an example from another service area. Following the meeting, an email was circulated to Members containing an example together with explanatory notes.
RESOLVED: That the Committee notes the presentation.
Members requested an example of an urgent key decision that would be exempt from the call-in process. Officers advised that there had not been any recent urgent key decisions within Children’s Services, but agreed to provide an example from another service area. Following the meeting, an email was circulated to Members containing an example together with explanatory notes.
RESOLVED: That the Committee notes the presentation.
7
Introduction to Select Committee - Children's Services
To receive a presentation and introduction to the Children’s Services Directorate.
Attachments:
- Document Introduction to CSD 16 Jun 2026
Minutes
The Committee received a presentation with an overview of the Children’s Services Directorate and key services which were under the remit of the Committee.
The following topics were discussed and in response to Members’ questions, it was noted that:
Benchmarking showed Hampshire's proportion of children from minority ethnic backgrounds remained below the national average but was increasing. Falling birth rates were reducing demand for school places, impacting PAN planning and forecasting. Extensive analysis of school attendance data was continually undertaken, including by demographic group and alongside social care information. NEET figures continue to be closely monitored; Hampshire continued to perform well compared to the national average, supported through work with participation officers and school leaders. Employability was highlighted as an important measure of positive outcomes for young people. Concerns were raised about differing October half-term arrangements, particularly in academies and the impact on families and attendance. While the Council seeks greater consistency, academies determined their own term dates. Headteachers retained responsibility for school closure decisions based on local risk assessments, supported by Council guidance and advice. Members discussed the increasing use of Independent Non Maintained Specialist School placements and concerns around growing demand and associated costs. Young people with EHCPs were eligible to receive support up to age 25, with preparation for adulthood beginning from age 14 and SEND teams worked closely with Adult Social Care to help ensure smooth transitions and promote independence. Modelling was underway to understand how SEND reforms may influence future placements and provision and families were encouraged to engage with the Local Offer, which continued to be reviewed and updated. SEND Local Offer | Hampshire CTSH
The Committee also discussed Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and the importance of maintaining a clear focus on vulnerable children and young people throughout the process. Officers provided assurance that supporting vulnerable children and young people remained an absolute priority and that maintaining the continuity, quality and reliability of service provision would be central to all planning and implementation activities associated with LGR. Members also noted that, in time, the relevant aspects of LGR programme activity would be reported to the Select Committee.
RESOLVED: That the Committee notes the presentation.
The following topics were discussed and in response to Members’ questions, it was noted that:
Benchmarking showed Hampshire's proportion of children from minority ethnic backgrounds remained below the national average but was increasing. Falling birth rates were reducing demand for school places, impacting PAN planning and forecasting. Extensive analysis of school attendance data was continually undertaken, including by demographic group and alongside social care information. NEET figures continue to be closely monitored; Hampshire continued to perform well compared to the national average, supported through work with participation officers and school leaders. Employability was highlighted as an important measure of positive outcomes for young people. Concerns were raised about differing October half-term arrangements, particularly in academies and the impact on families and attendance. While the Council seeks greater consistency, academies determined their own term dates. Headteachers retained responsibility for school closure decisions based on local risk assessments, supported by Council guidance and advice. Members discussed the increasing use of Independent Non Maintained Specialist School placements and concerns around growing demand and associated costs. Young people with EHCPs were eligible to receive support up to age 25, with preparation for adulthood beginning from age 14 and SEND teams worked closely with Adult Social Care to help ensure smooth transitions and promote independence. Modelling was underway to understand how SEND reforms may influence future placements and provision and families were encouraged to engage with the Local Offer, which continued to be reviewed and updated. SEND Local Offer | Hampshire CTSH
The Committee also discussed Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and the importance of maintaining a clear focus on vulnerable children and young people throughout the process. Officers provided assurance that supporting vulnerable children and young people remained an absolute priority and that maintaining the continuity, quality and reliability of service provision would be central to all planning and implementation activities associated with LGR. Members also noted that, in time, the relevant aspects of LGR programme activity would be reported to the Select Committee.
RESOLVED: That the Committee notes the presentation.
8
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Local Area Partnership
To review evidence and performance data from the Local Area Partnership Board.
Attachments:
- Document Local Area Partnership Board 16 Jun 2026
Minutes
The Committee received a presentation on the work of the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Local Area Partnership Board.
The presentation outlined the role of the Board which brings together education, health and care services, also parent carer networks and voluntary organisations to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND. The Board had been refreshed in response to SEND Reforms and changes in the SEND inspection framework and focused on improving partnership working, listening to families and ensuring children and young people received the right support at the right time.
Members noted that key priorities included reducing waiting times for health services, improving SEND support and EHCP processes, increasing specialist provision and supporting young people’s wellbeing and inclusion. The presentation highlighted progress already made and set out future plans aligned with national SEND reforms, with a shared vision that children and young people with SEND were heard, supported and able to thrive.
In response to Members’ questions, it was reported that attendance at Local Offer Discovery Days had been encouraging and feedback had been positive. It was noted that there were plans to run the events annually and Members were invited to help raise awareness through their networks and social media channels.
RESOLVED: That the Committee notes the presentation.
The presentation outlined the role of the Board which brings together education, health and care services, also parent carer networks and voluntary organisations to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND. The Board had been refreshed in response to SEND Reforms and changes in the SEND inspection framework and focused on improving partnership working, listening to families and ensuring children and young people received the right support at the right time.
Members noted that key priorities included reducing waiting times for health services, improving SEND support and EHCP processes, increasing specialist provision and supporting young people’s wellbeing and inclusion. The presentation highlighted progress already made and set out future plans aligned with national SEND reforms, with a shared vision that children and young people with SEND were heard, supported and able to thrive.
In response to Members’ questions, it was reported that attendance at Local Offer Discovery Days had been encouraging and feedback had been positive. It was noted that there were plans to run the events annually and Members were invited to help raise awareness through their networks and social media channels.
RESOLVED: That the Committee notes the presentation.
9
Children in Care Annual Report 2025-26
To receive the annual Children in Care report.
Attachments:
- Document Children in Care Annual Report 2025-26 16 Jun 2026
- Document Item 9 presentation - Children in Care Annual Report 16 Jun 2026
Minutes
The Committee received the Hampshire Children in Care Annual Report 2025–26 providing assurance that children looked after by the local authority were receiving appropriate support and that care planning remained focused on achieving positive outcomes.
Members noted that, as of May 2026, Hampshire was caring for 1,711 children and young people, a figure that had remained broadly stable over the previous year. Overall, the report concluded that Hampshire continues to develop services and maintain a strong focus on safeguarding, stability, education, health and long-term outcomes for children in its care.
In response to Members’ questions, it was noted that:
Children entering care were increasingly presenting with complex needs and circumstances that required specialist support. The age profile of children entering care had shifted, with more young people entering care in their mid-to-late teenage years, often with more complex needs. Wider societal factors, including cost-of-living pressures on families, were also identified as influencing demand.
Approximately 120 unaccompanied asylum-seeking children were currently looked after by the County Council and, as unaccompanied children, the Council has a statutory responsibility to treat them as children in care.
In response to Members’ questions, officers agreed to circulate further information post-meeting with the following information:
· The number of children placed outside of Hampshire including the number placed more than 20 miles from their home area.
· The proportion of children in care in Hampshire compared with national averages and the length of time children spend in care compared with national figures.
· The number of children moving placements during Years 10 and 11,
given the potential impact on educational outcomes at a critical stage of schooling.
An age profile for Hampshire’s unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.
RESOLVED: That the Committee notes the report and the progress made.
Members noted that, as of May 2026, Hampshire was caring for 1,711 children and young people, a figure that had remained broadly stable over the previous year. Overall, the report concluded that Hampshire continues to develop services and maintain a strong focus on safeguarding, stability, education, health and long-term outcomes for children in its care.
In response to Members’ questions, it was noted that:
Children entering care were increasingly presenting with complex needs and circumstances that required specialist support. The age profile of children entering care had shifted, with more young people entering care in their mid-to-late teenage years, often with more complex needs. Wider societal factors, including cost-of-living pressures on families, were also identified as influencing demand.
Approximately 120 unaccompanied asylum-seeking children were currently looked after by the County Council and, as unaccompanied children, the Council has a statutory responsibility to treat them as children in care.
In response to Members’ questions, officers agreed to circulate further information post-meeting with the following information:
· The number of children placed outside of Hampshire including the number placed more than 20 miles from their home area.
· The proportion of children in care in Hampshire compared with national averages and the length of time children spend in care compared with national figures.
· The number of children moving placements during Years 10 and 11,
given the potential impact on educational outcomes at a critical stage of schooling.
An age profile for Hampshire’s unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.
RESOLVED: That the Committee notes the report and the progress made.
10
Care Leavers Service Annual Report 2025-26
To receive the annual Care Leavers report.
Attachments:
- Document Care Leavers Annual Report 2025-26 CYP Select June 2026 16 Jun 2026
- Document Item 10 presentation - Care Leavers Annual Report 16 Jun 2026
Minutes
The Committee received the Hampshire Care Leavers Annual Report 2025-26 with a service overview and highlighting achievements and ongoing challenges in supporting young care leavers aged 16–25.
Members heard that the service supported a growing cohort with 1,148 care leavers aged 18+ currently open to Children’s Services and around 2,970 young people eligible to request advice and support overall. Hampshire was rated “Good” by Ofsted for its care leaver services and received strong, positive feedback following a focused visit in May 2026. The feedback from Ofsted is available at this link: https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50301681.
The Committee noted that key priorities have included strengthening the voice of care-experienced young people, increasing their involvement in decision-making and recruitment processes, improving transition planning into adulthood, and reviewing the Local Offer so that care leavers better understand their rights and entitlements.
There was discussion regarding the language used nationally when referring to children in care and care-experienced young people. The Director confirmed that a letter had already been sent to the Minister setting out Members’ concerns and that, while the Minister had been sympathetic, any substantive changes would require amendments to legislation.
Members revisited concerns regarding profiteering within the children's residential care sector. Officers advised that a template letter would be shared with all Members should they wish to raise these concerns further with their local MP.
RESOLVED: That the Committee notes the report.
Members heard that the service supported a growing cohort with 1,148 care leavers aged 18+ currently open to Children’s Services and around 2,970 young people eligible to request advice and support overall. Hampshire was rated “Good” by Ofsted for its care leaver services and received strong, positive feedback following a focused visit in May 2026. The feedback from Ofsted is available at this link: https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50301681.
The Committee noted that key priorities have included strengthening the voice of care-experienced young people, increasing their involvement in decision-making and recruitment processes, improving transition planning into adulthood, and reviewing the Local Offer so that care leavers better understand their rights and entitlements.
There was discussion regarding the language used nationally when referring to children in care and care-experienced young people. The Director confirmed that a letter had already been sent to the Minister setting out Members’ concerns and that, while the Minister had been sympathetic, any substantive changes would require amendments to legislation.
Members revisited concerns regarding profiteering within the children's residential care sector. Officers advised that a template letter would be shared with all Members should they wish to raise these concerns further with their local MP.
RESOLVED: That the Committee notes the report.
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 16 Jun 2026
Minutes
The Committee reviewed their Work Programme.
A suggestion was made to include a future item on exam results and educational outcomes.
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.
A suggestion was made to include a future item on exam results and educational outcomes.
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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