Portsmouth City Borough Council
Councillors:
42
Wards:
14
Committees:
37
Meetings (2026):
11
Meetings (2025):
117
Meeting
Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education - Portsmouth City
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Tuesday, 17th June 2025
4:00 PM
Tuesday, 17th June 2025
4:00 PM
End:
Tuesday, 17th June 2025
8:00 PM
Tuesday, 17th June 2025
8:00 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
17 Jun 2025
17 Jun 2025
Location:
Council Chamber - The Guildhall, Portsmouth
Council Chamber - The Guildhall, Portsmouth
Meeting Attendees
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education
Opposition spokesperson
Deputy Group Leader
Agenda
1
Apologies
Minutes
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Hannah Brent.
2
Declarations of Members' Interests
Minutes
Councillor Coles declared a personal and non-prejudicial interest as his brother works at the Portsmouth Academy.
3
Carers' Fees and Allowances Policy 2025/2026
Purpose
To inform the Cabinet Member of the changes within the annual review of the Carers' Fees and Allowances Policy for Portsmouth 2025/26 as seen in Appendix A.
RECOMMENDED that the Cabinet Member
1. Approve the proposed changes to the Carers' Fees and Allowance Policy 2025/26.
2. Agree that delegated authority is with the Director, Children, Families & Education to approve future annual amendments to the policy, if there are no associated financial implications.
To inform the Cabinet Member of the changes within the annual review of the Carers' Fees and Allowances Policy for Portsmouth 2025/26 as seen in Appendix A.
RECOMMENDED that the Cabinet Member
1. Approve the proposed changes to the Carers' Fees and Allowance Policy 2025/26.
2. Agree that delegated authority is with the Director, Children, Families & Education to approve future annual amendments to the policy, if there are no associated financial implications.
Attachments:
- Document Carers' Fees and Allowances Policy 2025/2026 09 Jun 2025
- Document Appendix A - Carers' Fees and Allowances Policy 2025/2026 09 Jun 2025
- Document Appendix B - Integrated Impact Assessment 09 Jun 2025
Minutes
Mark Jowett, Head of Children We Care For, introduced the report.
Councillor Dorrington thanked officers for the report. It was important to constantly review policies to retain carers and attract new ones in order to support vulnerable children.
DECISIONS
1. Approved the proposed changes to the Carers' Fees and Allowance Policy 2025/26.
2. Agreed that delegated authority is with the Director, Children, Families & Education to approve future annual amendments to the policy, if there are no associated financial implications.
Councillor Dorrington thanked officers for the report. It was important to constantly review policies to retain carers and attract new ones in order to support vulnerable children.
DECISIONS
1. Approved the proposed changes to the Carers' Fees and Allowance Policy 2025/26.
2. Agreed that delegated authority is with the Director, Children, Families & Education to approve future annual amendments to the policy, if there are no associated financial implications.
4
Home Adaptation and Extension Policy for Carers
Purpose
To inform the Cabinet Member of the changes within the review of the Home Adaptation and Extension Policy for Carers as seen in Appendix A.
RECOMMENDED that the Cabinet Member
1. Approves the amendments to the Home Adaptation and Extension Policy for Carers.
2. Gives delegated authority to the Deputy Director of Children & Families and the Director of Finance and Resources (S151 Officer) to approve individual business cases in line with financial rules.
To inform the Cabinet Member of the changes within the review of the Home Adaptation and Extension Policy for Carers as seen in Appendix A.
RECOMMENDED that the Cabinet Member
1. Approves the amendments to the Home Adaptation and Extension Policy for Carers.
2. Gives delegated authority to the Deputy Director of Children & Families and the Director of Finance and Resources (S151 Officer) to approve individual business cases in line with financial rules.
Attachments:
- Document Home Adaptation and Extension Policy for Carers 09 Jun 2025
- Document Appendix A - Home Adaptation and Extension Policy for Carers 09 Jun 2025
- Document Appendix B - Integrated Impact Assessment 09 Jun 2025
Minutes
Mark Jowett, Head of Children We Care For, introduced the report. In response to questions he explained that the carers themselves sourced and commissioned work for adaptations but officers carried out due diligence, for example, comparing quotes.
Councillor Dorrington said the policy expanded the framework despite financial constraints. It gave carers the ability to source contractors, while being supported by the council, so would enable value for money, support for children and benefit the carers themselves, and was a "win win" scenario.
DECISIONS
1. Approved the amendments to the Home Adaptation and Extension Policy for Carers.
2. Gave delegated authority to the Deputy Director of Children & Families and the Director of Finance and Resources (S151 Officer) to approve individual business cases in line with financial rules.
Councillor Dorrington said the policy expanded the framework despite financial constraints. It gave carers the ability to source contractors, while being supported by the council, so would enable value for money, support for children and benefit the carers themselves, and was a "win win" scenario.
DECISIONS
1. Approved the amendments to the Home Adaptation and Extension Policy for Carers.
2. Gave delegated authority to the Deputy Director of Children & Families and the Director of Finance and Resources (S151 Officer) to approve individual business cases in line with financial rules.
5
Ofsted Focussed Visit regarding Care Experienced Young Adults
Purpose
To inform the Cabinet Member and other elected members within Portsmouth City Council of the outcome of the Ofsted Focussed Visit that took place in February 2025 in respect of the Care Experienced Young Adult Service which evidenced the improvements made since the last full inspection carried out by Ofsted in 2023.
To inform the Cabinet Member and other elected members within Portsmouth City Council of the outcome of the Ofsted Focussed Visit that took place in February 2025 in respect of the Care Experienced Young Adult Service which evidenced the improvements made since the last full inspection carried out by Ofsted in 2023.
Attachments:
- Document Ofsted Focussed Visit regarding Care Experienced Young Adults 09 Jun 2025
- Document Appendix 1 - Letter from Ofsted 09 Jun 2025
Minutes
Keely Mitchell, Head of Adolescents & Young Adults, introduced the report.
Members said that Ofsted inspections had been a roller coaster experience over the years. However, Ofsted pointed out where there were gaps. Members had no doubt the Education team would succeed. Sam Bushby, Deputy Director, Children & Families, said that Ofsted reflected on what they saw. Officers were aware of where improvements were needed but it was good that Ofsted recognised what they had done to make improvements. She thanked Ms Mitchell for her leadership in making the improvements.
Councillor Dorrington acknowledged the Ofsted experience could be scary and frequently changing criteria made people anxious. However, Ofsted had not told the council things it did not already know, which was a result of working as one team. The council listened to the voices of young people and would act as appropriate. He thanked everyone for their work.
The Cabinet Member noted the report which is for information only and is not subject to call-in.
Members said that Ofsted inspections had been a roller coaster experience over the years. However, Ofsted pointed out where there were gaps. Members had no doubt the Education team would succeed. Sam Bushby, Deputy Director, Children & Families, said that Ofsted reflected on what they saw. Officers were aware of where improvements were needed but it was good that Ofsted recognised what they had done to make improvements. She thanked Ms Mitchell for her leadership in making the improvements.
Councillor Dorrington acknowledged the Ofsted experience could be scary and frequently changing criteria made people anxious. However, Ofsted had not told the council things it did not already know, which was a result of working as one team. The council listened to the voices of young people and would act as appropriate. He thanked everyone for their work.
The Cabinet Member noted the report which is for information only and is not subject to call-in.
6
Local Authority Maintained Schools Balances at 31 March 2025
Purpose
To inform the Cabinet Member of the level of Local Authority maintained schools' revenue and capital balances on 31 March 2025.
To inform the Cabinet Member of the level of Local Authority maintained schools' revenue and capital balances on 31 March 2025.
Attachments:
- Document LA Maintained Schools Balances at 31 March 2025 09 Jun 2025
Minutes
Angela Mann, Finance Manager, introduced the report.
Councillor Dorrington said the report showed that the council was doing well financially and thanked officers for it.
The Cabinet Member noted the report which is for information only and is not subject to call-in.
Councillor Dorrington said the report showed that the council was doing well financially and thanked officers for it.
The Cabinet Member noted the report which is for information only and is not subject to call-in.
7
Meeting SEND needs and managing the pressure on the High Needs Block
Purpose
1. To provide an update on the work that has taken place since the Schools Forum workshop on 4th March 2025 to support education settings in responding to the growing number of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and the growing complexity of need, whilst also managing the pressures on the High Needs Block in the most effective way
2. Seek Cabinet Member approval for the additional investment in mainstream primary in order to support pupils with SEND who meet the threshold for a specialist school place. This follows endorsement by Schools Forum at their meeting on 4th June 2025.
RECOMMENDED that the Cabinet Member
1. Approves the additional investment in mainstream primary, infant and junior schools from September 2025 as set out in paragraphs 3.3 to 3.13 in order to support pupils with SEND who meet the threshold for a specialist school place but due to capacity issues cannot be placed in such a setting;
2. Notes the increase in the high needs funding rates to The City of Portsmouth College for 2024/25 and 2025/26 in respect of post 16 students with SEND and the methodology used as set out in paragraphs 3.14 to 3.15;
3. Notes the reduction in Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) surplus balance from £11.5m to £11.1m before approved commitments;
4. Notes there is considerable uncertainty within the DSG forecast for 2025/26 and that a revised budget will be prepared for the Schools Forum meeting on 8th October 2025 which will incorporate the changes set out in this report and any further changes endorsed by Schools Forum in July;
5. Notes that the significant growth in the number of children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) in Portsmouth means that the High Needs Block of the DSG will continue to come under pressure, and that a transfer of funding between the Schools Block and the HNB is likely to be required within the next two years.
1. To provide an update on the work that has taken place since the Schools Forum workshop on 4th March 2025 to support education settings in responding to the growing number of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and the growing complexity of need, whilst also managing the pressures on the High Needs Block in the most effective way
2. Seek Cabinet Member approval for the additional investment in mainstream primary in order to support pupils with SEND who meet the threshold for a specialist school place. This follows endorsement by Schools Forum at their meeting on 4th June 2025.
RECOMMENDED that the Cabinet Member
1. Approves the additional investment in mainstream primary, infant and junior schools from September 2025 as set out in paragraphs 3.3 to 3.13 in order to support pupils with SEND who meet the threshold for a specialist school place but due to capacity issues cannot be placed in such a setting;
2. Notes the increase in the high needs funding rates to The City of Portsmouth College for 2024/25 and 2025/26 in respect of post 16 students with SEND and the methodology used as set out in paragraphs 3.14 to 3.15;
3. Notes the reduction in Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) surplus balance from £11.5m to £11.1m before approved commitments;
4. Notes there is considerable uncertainty within the DSG forecast for 2025/26 and that a revised budget will be prepared for the Schools Forum meeting on 8th October 2025 which will incorporate the changes set out in this report and any further changes endorsed by Schools Forum in July;
5. Notes that the significant growth in the number of children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) in Portsmouth means that the High Needs Block of the DSG will continue to come under pressure, and that a transfer of funding between the Schools Block and the HNB is likely to be required within the next two years.
Attachments:
- Document Meeting SEND needs and managing the pressure on the High Needs Block 09 Jun 2025
Minutes
Mike Stoneman, Deputy Director, Education, introduced the report, emphasising that the proposed three year investment programme in mainstream primary schools to support children who meet the threshold for a specialist school place was a temporary measure as he did not want to normalise something that was not sustainable. He hoped that the situation would improve as more specialist school places are created and further work is done to reduce the pressure on the High Needs Block.
Members said it was very important to support children and young people with SEND and ensure they had options to progress to further and higher education. Members were aware of parents taking children out of education as they did not think they would get they help they needed. It was important to recognise that many young people need help before going to college, particularly those that had undiagnosed needs and who had not been subject to any assessments. The increase in high needs funding for the City of Portsmouth College was welcomed and they thanked everyone involved.
Councillor Dorrington was glad officers had extensively reviewed costs and agreed rates with the City of Portsmouth College. Costs were increasing everywhere and were really difficult for schools. In an ideal world children with very complex SEND would not be in mainstream schools but there were not enough specialist places available yet. He hoped the support outlined in the report would prevent them slipping through the net. He was privileged to have attended Schools Forum which showed that schools were listened to and acknowledged. He thanked all those involved for their work.
DECISIONS
1. Approved the additional investment in mainstream primary, infant and junior schools from September 2025 as set out in paragraphs 3.3 to 3.13 in order to support pupils with SEND who meet the threshold for a specialist school place but due to capacity issues cannot be placed in such a setting;
2. Noted the increase in the high needs funding rates to The City of Portsmouth College for 2024/25 and 2025/26 in respect of post 16 students with SEND and the methodology used as set out in paragraphs 3.14 to 3.15;
3. Noted the reduction in Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) surplus balance from £11.5m to £11.1m before approved commitments;
4. Noted there is considerable uncertainty within the DSG forecast for 2025/26 and that a revised budget will be prepared for the Schools Forum meeting on 8th October 2025 which will incorporate the changes set out in this report and any further changes endorsed by Schools Forum in July;
5. Noted that the significant growth in the number of children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) in Portsmouth means that the High Needs Block of the DSG will continue to come under pressure, and that a transfer of funding between the Schools Block and the HNB is likely to be required within the next two years.
Members said it was very important to support children and young people with SEND and ensure they had options to progress to further and higher education. Members were aware of parents taking children out of education as they did not think they would get they help they needed. It was important to recognise that many young people need help before going to college, particularly those that had undiagnosed needs and who had not been subject to any assessments. The increase in high needs funding for the City of Portsmouth College was welcomed and they thanked everyone involved.
Councillor Dorrington was glad officers had extensively reviewed costs and agreed rates with the City of Portsmouth College. Costs were increasing everywhere and were really difficult for schools. In an ideal world children with very complex SEND would not be in mainstream schools but there were not enough specialist places available yet. He hoped the support outlined in the report would prevent them slipping through the net. He was privileged to have attended Schools Forum which showed that schools were listened to and acknowledged. He thanked all those involved for their work.
DECISIONS
1. Approved the additional investment in mainstream primary, infant and junior schools from September 2025 as set out in paragraphs 3.3 to 3.13 in order to support pupils with SEND who meet the threshold for a specialist school place but due to capacity issues cannot be placed in such a setting;
2. Noted the increase in the high needs funding rates to The City of Portsmouth College for 2024/25 and 2025/26 in respect of post 16 students with SEND and the methodology used as set out in paragraphs 3.14 to 3.15;
3. Noted the reduction in Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) surplus balance from £11.5m to £11.1m before approved commitments;
4. Noted there is considerable uncertainty within the DSG forecast for 2025/26 and that a revised budget will be prepared for the Schools Forum meeting on 8th October 2025 which will incorporate the changes set out in this report and any further changes endorsed by Schools Forum in July;
5. Noted that the significant growth in the number of children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) in Portsmouth means that the High Needs Block of the DSG will continue to come under pressure, and that a transfer of funding between the Schools Block and the HNB is likely to be required within the next two years.
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