NORTH YORKSHIRE COUNCIL

15 JULY 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: 17 June 2026

Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee  17 June 2026

Public Statements

There was one Public Statement submitted.

Feedback from the Executive on 26 May 2026

Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the Executive meeting, but I liaised in advance with Councillor Baker, our Young People’s Member Champion, and we agreed the key points to raise with the Executive Member for Children and Families. Cllr Baker informed the Committee of the issues and questions she asked, and the responses provided.

Draft Children and Young People’s Plan

The Corporate Director for Children and Young People’s Service presented the draft plan, which led to a very interesting discussion and lots of questions from Members. We heard how delivery and service development will be based around 5 priorities and 3 enablers. The plan aims to deliver 3 national reforms – Families First Initiative, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Reforms and Best Start in Life Initiative. The report was well received, and Members made several suggestions that could be incorporated. We look forward to seeing the final version of the plan.

Best Start in Life Initiative (BSIL)

The Head of Early Help provided an update on the development and implementation of the Best Start in Life programme 2026-2029. BSIL is a national programme that aims to improve early childhood outcomes and school readiness. It is based on early intervention, partnership working across health and education, and targeted support to reduce inequalities. Members recognised that rurality and limited access to digital platforms can act as barriers to accessibility and were informed that community navigators and local partners would provide outreach support to help overcome these challenges. We asked to receive an update next year.

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Government Reforms

The Head of Inclusion gave an overview of the Council’s SEND Reform Plan. Although Government guidance is still being circulated, it was encouraging to hear that the plan will meet the submission deadline date and will be compliant. The ambition is to move towards a more proactive, needs-led system in which children’s needs are identified and supported earlier. By 2029, the aim is for more children to be supported within their local mainstream schools, leading to improved attendance, reduced exclusions, and increased confidence among parents and carers. The Committee was pleased to hear that the Council plans to recruit to a speech and language therapy apprenticeship post.  We will receive an update next year.

COUNCILLOR CAROLINE GOODRICK

July 2026