NORTH YORKSHIRE COUNCIL

20 MAY 2026

STATEMENT OF CHAIR FOR 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: 25 March 2026

Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee 25 March 2026

Public Statements

There were no public questions or statements.

Feedback from the Executive on 17 February 2026

I informed Committee Members of the matters that I raised at the Executive meeting and the responses I received from the Executive Members. Referrals to Children’s Social Care are beginning to fall, and although challenges remain, this is starting to have a beneficial knock‑on effect throughout the service. Regarding the number of Looked After Children, referrals had fallen by 12% compared with the same period in the previous year owing to strengthened practice of the Multi-Agency Screening Team (MAST). It is very reassuring to learn that the timeliness of Educational Health Care Plans (EHCPs) has risen significantly from 8% of plans issued on time in January 2025 to over 80% in January 2026.

North Yorkshire Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) Annual Report 2024-2025

The Principal Advisor from the School Improvement Team provided a summary of the annual report. We heard that there will be some targeted work to try and increase the number of secondary school responses to the Teacher Questionnaire. Members expressed their appreciation for the update and recognised the importance of supporting RE teachers in an environment shaped by constantly changing world events.

Performance Monitoring Data

The Corporate Strategy and Performance Lead Officer presented the Children and Families performance monitoring data for Q3 2024/2025. Members were particularly interested in the number and age of young people being discharged from care and how they are supported, particularly those moving to Adults Social Care. Recruiting more educational psychologists and other staff have helped to clear the backlog of EHCP cases and we are expecting to be above the national average for 2025. Members were informed of new guidance that sets out the national standards, duties and procedures for schools, governing boards and local authorities regarding exclusions. 

Young People's Member Champion Annual Report 2025-2026

It was really positive to hear about the excellent work our Young People’s Member Champion is doing and her ongoing commitment to representing the Council across a range of partnership meetings, ensuring that our children and young people’s voices and wellbeing remain a priority.

COUNCILLOR CAROLINE GOODRICK

May 2026