NORTH YORKSHIRE COUNCIL
12 NOVEMBER 2025
STATEMENT OF CHAIR
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE
Since the last Full Council, there has been one committee meeting.
Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee: 17 September 2025
Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee 17 September 2025
Public Statements
There were 3 public questions/statements submitted.
Briefing relating to the Post Implementation Review of the Home to School Transport Policy
We received a summary of the outline structure and content of the post implementation review (PIR) of the home to school travel policy. The Committee had several lines of enquiry, including asking which other council services would be involved with the review; the timeliness and length of the review; how the council will make sure that all parents are fully informed of the home to school transport policy; and how the mapping system used to determine eligibility and routes will be kept accurate and up to date. A proposal was raised regarding the possibility of an independent review taking place alongside the PIR. However, the majority of Committee members felt this was unnecessary at this stage. The Committee has requested that they receive regular updates of the PIR.
Performance Report for Quarter 1
We found the performance data very informative, and it helped us understand how data is collated. We identified areas that are performing well and those areas that we would like to hear more about. It is reassuring to learn that a consultation is addressing the number of primary school exclusions and how excluded children may be taught in the future. We look forward to receiving another performance report in six months and have requested further data on the number of children who have re-enrolled in schools after being home educated.
Fostering Service Update
North Yorkshire Adoption Service
The Committee was pleased to learn that there have been no pre-adoption disruption orders over the past five years. This was seen as a strong indicator that appropriate and stable adoption matches are being made, reflecting positively on the council’s adoption processes and support systems. Whilst it was disappointing to hear that the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF) has changed the remit on the funding that can be claimed, it is reassuring to hear that the Regional Adoption Agency is addressing this. They are liaising with service providers to adjusting their pricing structures, helping to mitigate the impact on families.
COUNCILLOR BARBARA BRODIGAN
November 2025