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, 8th September 2026
10:00 AM
Tuesday, 8th September 2026
10:00 AM
End:
Tuesday, 8th September 2026
2:00 PM
Tuesday, 8th September 2026
2:00 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
08 Sep 2026
08 Sep 2026
Location:
Ashburton Hall, Elizabeth II Court, The Castle, Winchester
Ashburton Hall, Elizabeth II Court, The Castle, Winchester
Meeting Attendees
Liberal Democrats Spokesperson
Committee Member
Co-opted Member
Robert Sanders
Church of England Schools Representative
Apologies
Co-opted Member
Catholic Schools Representative - Vacancy
Not required
Co-opted Member
Parent Governor for Primary Schools - Vacancy
Not required
Co-opted Member
Parent Governor for Secondary Schools - Vacancy
Not required
Independent Group Deputy
Vice Chairman of the Council
Liberal Democrats Deputy
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 Emily Young and from co-optee Robert Sanders. Councillor Richard Quarterman was attending as a deputy member.
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 24062026 1000 Children and Young People Select Committee 28 Aug 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 formally welcomed Councillor Carpenter following her appointment as Vice Chairman of the Committee at the July meeting of the County Council.
6
NHS - Briefing on the Hampshire Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service
To receive an NHS update on the Hampshire Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service.
Attachments:
- Document 6 260908-CYP Select Committee report CAMHS update 28 Aug 2026
Minutes
The Committee received an NHS update on the Hampshire Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), including current demand, workforce pressures, waiting times and work underway to remodel services. Members heard that the number of children and young people waiting for assessment and treatment had reduced, although average waiting times remained high. Particular concern was raised regarding ADHD assessments, where the average waiting time was 111 weeks.
Members discussed the reasons for increasing demand, workforce pressures and the importance of ensuring specialist CAMHS provision was focused on those children with the greatest need. The Committee also highlighted the impact of lengthy waits on children and families and the importance of maintaining communication and support whilst they waited.
It was agreed that a further report would be provided to a future CYPSC meeting on waiting times across treatment pathways, including ADHD, autism and other neurodevelopmental pathways, together with the backlog. Members also supported further training to improve their understanding of children and young people’s mental health services.
RESOLVED:
That the Children and Young People Select Committee:
i) Notes the progress made in reducing the numbers of children and young people waiting for assessment and treatment, alongside the continuing increase in average waiting times and the significant Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) backlog.
ii) Notes the service’s safety, workforce and transformation response.
iii) Requests a further report on waiting times across treatment pathways, including ADHD, autism and other neurodevelopmental pathways, together with the backlog and to also include information on need versus demand.
Members discussed the reasons for increasing demand, workforce pressures and the importance of ensuring specialist CAMHS provision was focused on those children with the greatest need. The Committee also highlighted the impact of lengthy waits on children and families and the importance of maintaining communication and support whilst they waited.
It was agreed that a further report would be provided to a future CYPSC meeting on waiting times across treatment pathways, including ADHD, autism and other neurodevelopmental pathways, together with the backlog. Members also supported further training to improve their understanding of children and young people’s mental health services.
RESOLVED:
That the Children and Young People Select Committee:
i) Notes the progress made in reducing the numbers of children and young people waiting for assessment and treatment, alongside the continuing increase in average waiting times and the significant Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) backlog.
ii) Notes the service’s safety, workforce and transformation response.
iii) Requests a further report on waiting times across treatment pathways, including ADHD, autism and other neurodevelopmental pathways, together with the backlog and to also include information on need versus demand.
7
NHS - Children and Young People's Mental Health and Wellbeing: Update on Commissioning Intentions
To receive an NHS report on Children and Young People's Mental Health and Wellbeing: Update on Commissioning Intentions.
Attachments:
- Document 6a 260908-CYP select committee report NHS commissioning update 28 Aug 2026
Minutes
The Committee received an update on the commissioning of mental health and wellbeing services for children and young people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Members noted progress in strengthening prevention and early intervention, including the expansion of Mental Health Support Teams in schools, the myHappymind programme and the Kooth digital mental health service.
Members sought assurance regarding access to school-based support, particularly for smaller and rural schools, and heard that there was an ambition to achieve full Mental Health Support Team coverage by December 2029. The Committee also discussed communication with families whilst waiting for services and the transfer of strategic commissioning arrangements for North East Hampshire, which was expected to support greater consistency across Hampshire in the longer term.
The importance of early intervention and a whole-system approach was emphasised, alongside the distinction between diagnosable mental health conditions requiring specialist treatment and children and young people’s wider emotional wellbeing.
RESOLVED:
That the Children and Young People Select Committee:
i) Notes the progress made in improving children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing across Hampshire.
ii) Notes that continued improvement requires a whole-system approach, with commissioning responsibilities shared across the NHS, local authorities and wider system partners.
iii) Notes the commissioning intentions for 2026/27 and beyond.
Members sought assurance regarding access to school-based support, particularly for smaller and rural schools, and heard that there was an ambition to achieve full Mental Health Support Team coverage by December 2029. The Committee also discussed communication with families whilst waiting for services and the transfer of strategic commissioning arrangements for North East Hampshire, which was expected to support greater consistency across Hampshire in the longer term.
The importance of early intervention and a whole-system approach was emphasised, alongside the distinction between diagnosable mental health conditions requiring specialist treatment and children and young people’s wider emotional wellbeing.
RESOLVED:
That the Children and Young People Select Committee:
i) Notes the progress made in improving children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing across Hampshire.
ii) Notes that continued improvement requires a whole-system approach, with commissioning responsibilities shared across the NHS, local authorities and wider system partners.
iii) Notes the commissioning intentions for 2026/27 and beyond.
8
SEND Reform Task and Finish Working Group
To consider whether to initiate a Task and Finish Working Group to oversee and scrutinise the approach and delivery of the Local Area SEND Reform Plan.
Attachments:
- Document FINAL - SEND Reform Task and Finish Group Report to CYP September 2026 28 Aug 2026
- Document Presentation - SEND Working Group 28 Aug 2026
Minutes
The Committee considered a proposal to establish a Task and Finish Working Group to provide focused scrutiny of the Local Area SEND Reform Plan. Members heard that the Working Group would enable more detailed consideration of areas including co-production, early intervention and local provision, with findings and recommendations reported back to the Committee.
The Local Government Association had worked with officers to support the proposed approach and had offered additional support with Member development and the initial scoping meeting. Members welcomed the proposal and highlighted the importance of meaningful engagement with children, young people and families.
RESOLVED:
That the Children and Young People Select Committee:
That the Committee:
i) establishes a Task and Finish Working Group to oversee and scrutinise the approach and delivery of the Local Area SEND Reform Plan;
ii) agrees the proposed Terms of Reference for the Working Group;
iii) agrees that the Working Group appoints a Chairman from amongst its membership at its first meeting; and
iv) delegates to the Select Committee Chairman, in consultation with the Director of Children’s Services, decisions on the timings of meetings of the Working Group.
The Local Government Association had worked with officers to support the proposed approach and had offered additional support with Member development and the initial scoping meeting. Members welcomed the proposal and highlighted the importance of meaningful engagement with children, young people and families.
RESOLVED:
That the Children and Young People Select Committee:
That the Committee:
i) establishes a Task and Finish Working Group to oversee and scrutinise the approach and delivery of the Local Area SEND Reform Plan;
ii) agrees the proposed Terms of Reference for the Working Group;
iii) agrees that the Working Group appoints a Chairman from amongst its membership at its first meeting; and
iv) delegates to the Select Committee Chairman, in consultation with the Director of Children’s Services, decisions on the timings of meetings of the Working Group.
9
Hampshire Youth Justice Service Plan 2026- 2028
To review the Hampshire Youth Justice Service Youth Justice Plan 2026 – 2028.
Attachments:
- Document Hampshire Youth Justice Plan 28 Aug 2026
- Document Presentation - Hampshire Youth Justice Plan 28 Aug 2026
Minutes
The Committee received the Hampshire Youth Justice Service Plan 2026-2028, which outlined progress against previous priorities and objectives for the following two years. Members heard that Hampshire continued to perform well in relation to first-time entrants, reoffending and the use of custody. Improvements had also been made in the use of data, quality assurance, participation, victim support and activities for children involved with the service.
Members welcomed the range of activities available to young people and discussed the importance of early intervention, particularly for Children Looked After and those affected by adverse childhood experiences and trauma. The Committee also discussed serious youth violence and knife crime, noting that work was underway to further develop targeted interventions.
Members noted the financial pressures facing the service and received assurance that maintaining appropriate and safe staff caseloads remained a priority.
RESOLVED:
That the Children and Young People Select Committee recommends that the Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services considers the Hampshire Youth Justice Plan 2026-2028 and recommends that it is presented to Full Council for approval.
Members welcomed the range of activities available to young people and discussed the importance of early intervention, particularly for Children Looked After and those affected by adverse childhood experiences and trauma. The Committee also discussed serious youth violence and knife crime, noting that work was underway to further develop targeted interventions.
Members noted the financial pressures facing the service and received assurance that maintaining appropriate and safe staff caseloads remained a priority.
RESOLVED:
That the Children and Young People Select Committee recommends that the Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services considers the Hampshire Youth Justice Plan 2026-2028 and recommends that it is presented to Full Council for approval.
10
Adopt South - Annual Report 2025-2026 with Hampshire County Council Highlights
To review the activity of Adopt South, the Regional Adoption Agency for Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton Local Authorities for the financial year 2025-2026.
Attachments:
- Document FINAL - Adopt South Annual Report 2025-26 28 Aug 2026
- Document Presentation - Adopt South 28 Aug 2026
Minutes
The Committee received the Adopt South Annual Report 2025-2026, which outlined the performance of the Regional Adoption Agency across Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton. Members heard that Adopt South continued to perform strongly compared with other Regional Adoption Agencies, particularly in relation to adopter recruitment, assessment timescales and the number of children waiting for an adoptive family.
Members noted that 86 adoptive households had been approved and 104 children had been matched during the year, all with in-house adopters. Members were assured that the service continued to operate without a waiting list.
The Committee discussed the continuing challenge of adopter recruitment and the increasing complexity of children's needs. Members also welcomed the inclusive approach to recruitment, with the focus remaining on identifying adopters able to provide loving, stable homes and meet children’s individual needs.
RESOLVED:
That the Children and Young People Committee notes the contents of the Adopt South Annual Report 2025-2026.
Members noted that 86 adoptive households had been approved and 104 children had been matched during the year, all with in-house adopters. Members were assured that the service continued to operate without a waiting list.
The Committee discussed the continuing challenge of adopter recruitment and the increasing complexity of children's needs. Members also welcomed the inclusive approach to recruitment, with the focus remaining on identifying adopters able to provide loving, stable homes and meet children’s individual needs.
RESOLVED:
That the Children and Young People Committee notes the contents of the Adopt South Annual Report 2025-2026.
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 28 Aug 2026
Minutes
The Committee reviewed its Work Programme.
Members discussed a proposed future item regarding free school meals, including families choosing not to take up their entitlement. Officers advised that a report could be brought to the October meeting, although comparative data from other local authorities might not be available.
It was also agreed that the proposed report on educational attainment would be deferred until sufficiently comprehensive data was available to enable meaningful analysis and comparison.
Members were invited to submit any additional suggestions for future areas of scrutiny to the Chairman for consideration.
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.
Members discussed a proposed future item regarding free school meals, including families choosing not to take up their entitlement. Officers advised that a report could be brought to the October meeting, although comparative data from other local authorities might not be available.
It was also agreed that the proposed report on educational attainment would be deferred until sufficiently comprehensive data was available to enable meaningful analysis and comparison.
Members were invited to submit any additional suggestions for future areas of scrutiny to the Chairman for consideration.
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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