Agenda and draft minutes

In the event the fire alarm sounds attendees will be advised to evacuate the building via the nearest fire exit and assemble at the Bottle of Notes opposite MIMA.

The Chair welcomed those present and highlighted the Council’s Fire Evacuation Procedure. 

The minutes of the previous meeting of the Children’s Scrutiny Panel held on 9 March 2026 were submitted and approved as a correct record, subject to the addition of Councillor Uddin to the attendance. 

The Scrutiny Panel is asked to consider its Draft Final Report in relation to Out of Area Specialist Provision, and to discuss and formulate its conclusions and recommendations at the meeting. 

The Panel was asked to consider the Draft Final Report on its review ‘Out of Area Specialist Provision’, a copy of which had been circulated to Members and contributors prior to the meeting.

The report set out the terms of reference and the subsequent evidence gathered by the Panel during the course of the review.

Following discussion, the Panel agreed that the following conclusions be included in its Final Report:-

SEND and Inclusion - Education

A)    The Panel acknowledges that out of area placements for children with SEND are sometimes necessary, for example, when there are gaps in local provision, the child’s needs can only be met through specialist expertise/therapies that cannot be met from within Middlesbrough’s resources or for consistency or parental preference.  In such cases, the Panel is satisfied that there are sound processes and procedures in place with regard to the commissioning of external provision, together with strong quality assurance (QA) processes to ensure providers meet required standards, including regulatory oversight from Ofsted and the CQC, where appropriate.

B)    The Panel notes the significant variation in cost between local and independent provision which contributes to ongoing pressures on the High Needs Budget and the Council’s financial resources, but recognises the positive efforts made to reduce the use of out of area provision which have been achieved by building strong, collaborative relationships with education and specialist providers to develop specialist expertise to increase capacity in Middlesbrough to better meet demand needs locally. 

C)    In addition, the Panel welcomes the news regarding secured funding to build a new secondary school in Middlesbrough for children with SEND which will continue to expand specialist provision for Middlesbrough children.

D)    The Panel notes that Middlesbrough has the lowest use of independent special schools within the Tees Valley (approximately 2.9%), compared to the national average of 4.64% demonstrating the impact of investment in local capacity and inclusive practice.

E)    The Panel received evidence of a well-developed and embedded workforce development approach, having regard to the SEND Code of Practice 2025.  This is recognised as a key driver in reducing reliance on specialist and out of area placements.  This approach is underpinned by a long-term strategic focus on workforce development across education, health and care services, supported by a structured training offer for internal staff, schools, settings and families.

F)     Workforce development in Middlesbrough includes:-

•         A comprehensive SENDCo development programme, with mentoring and networking opportunities, and has seen strong attendance across the local area.

•         Multi-agency training and collaboration across education, health and social care partners.

•         Annual conferences and knowledge-sharing events with local, regional and national expertise.

•         Development of accessible learning resources, including a SEND Learning Hub.

•         Strong focus on early intervention through a clearly defined local area graduated response.

G)   Areas of best practice within the SEND Workforce Development include the implementation of the Ordinarily Available Inclusive Provision (OAIP) and SEND Ranges framework, which provide clarity and consistency regarding the level of support expected across all settings.  These frameworks,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 25/55

The Corporate Director of Children’s Services will provide an update, if appropriate, on any matters pertinent to the Panel. 

The Corporate Director provided an update on a number of national and local developments.  

Members were informed of forthcoming national reforms, including proposed changes to policy arising from the SEND reforms and associated White Paper. It was noted that a local plan was required to be submitted to the Department for Education by 19 June, and that engagement with families and professionals had been a key element in its development to ensure their feedback was reflected.  The Panel was advised that confirmation on whether the plan had been accepted was expected by September, and that Department for Education funding would not be released until the plan had been approved. 

In relation to social care reform, it was reported that a review of the Children’s Social Care teams was underway, including consideration of a Family First model, with close collaboration taking place with regional colleagues and a continued focus on strengthening multi‑agency working.  

An update was also provided on the Children’s Social Care Improvement Plan, which had been developed in response to a recent focussed visit by Ofsted.  Members were advised that changes to the Ofsted inspection framework were consistent with expectations and included increased scrutiny of unregistered placements, which were noted to be a rare occurrence locally.  The Corporate Director also highlighted increased assurance arrangements around safeguarding, with strengthened plans now in place. 

In response to a question regarding concerns about unregistered settings, it was explained that there had been a small number of investigations nationally involving local authorities placing children in unregistered homes.  Members were advised that such settings were unregulated and not registered with Ofsted, which raised safeguarding concerns, including issues relating to appropriate checks such as Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) requirements. 

In response to a question regarding whether Ofsted considered scrutiny activity, it was advised that Ofsted did have regard to scrutiny proceedings where they were relevant to an identified area of interest. It was noted that the Lead Member would be kept informed as appropriate.

AGREED that the information provided be noted.

The Chair will provide a verbal update on business conducted at the Overview and Scrutiny Board meetings held on 18 March and 15 April 2026. 

The Chair provided a verbal update in relation to the business conducted at the Overview and Scrutiny Board meetings held on 18 March and 15 April 2026, namely:

18 March

•         Executive Forward Work programme (requested update on Neighbourhoods Model)

•         Scrutiny Panels’ Chairs’ Updates

•         Final Report of Place Scrutiny Panel – Barriers to Regeneration

•         Final Report of Adult Social Care & Health Scrutiny Panel – Healthy Placemaking

•         Forward Plan Actions Progress – updates on Pest control and Bereavement Services.

•         Executive Member Update – Executive Member for Environment & Sustainability (Councillor Gavigan)

15 April

•         Scrutiny Panels’ Chairs’ Updates

•         Executive Forward Work Programme

•         Forward Plans Actions Progress

•         Final Report of Overview & Scrutiny Board – Council’s approach to poverty

•         Draft Terms of Reference – OSB short review – What role do faith & belief groups play in civic life in Middlesbrough?

•         Continuous Improvement Plan – progress update

•         Executive Member update – The Mayor

•         Executive Member update – Executive Member for Neighbourhoods (Councillor Blades)

NOTED

There were no other urgent items to consider.