Below is a summary of one of Cheshire East’s committee meetings, showing the range of services and responsibilities the Council looks after.
It does not represent the views of RoW, it is intended to inform readers.
The summary below has been generated by AI from the full public meeting minutes, for which a link is given at then end of this page.
Children and Families Committee – One‑page Summary – 13 April 2026
Meeting overview
The Children and Families Committee met on 13 April 2026 to consider a range of strategic and operational matters relating to specialist education provision, school capital investment, home‑to‑school transport, early intervention for families, national reforms, and service improvement progress. The meeting was chaired by Councillor L. Crane.
Key decisions and discussions
Expanding specialist provision (SEND)
- The Committee approved an amendment to a previously agreed recommendation to prioritise expressions of interest from existing state‑funded SEN schools in Cheshire East to establish a satellite provision at the Westfields site.
- If no suitable proposal is received, the Council will revert to the Free School Presumption process to identify a new sponsor.
- Members emphasised the importance of avoiding delay, ensuring legal compliance, and securing a provider with strong local experience.
- The planned opening date remains September 2028.
School condition capital programme (2026/27)
- Members approved the School Condition Programme for 2026/27 and noted ongoing and completed schemes.
- Delegated authority was agreed to allow up to 20% cost uplifts on approved projects to ensure timely delivery.
- Discussion highlighted:
- Major health and safety works, including a significant fire alarm installation.
- Lessons learned from decarbonisation projects, including the need for backup heating systems.
- The installation of photovoltaic panels at some schools.
- Officers undertook to provide further written information on heating resilience.
Home‑to‑School Transport – Task and Finish Group
- The Committee unanimously noted the Final Report and approved a package of recommendations.
- Key issues discussed included:
- Rising demand and persistent overspends despite cost‑avoidance measures.
- Rural‑urban cost differences.
- Expansion of Personal Travel Budgets, currently used by around 17% of families.
- Agreed actions included:
- Embedding a Total Cost of Placement (TCOP) approach.
- Publishing an Annual Home‑to‑School Transport Report.
- Developing a School Travel Support Charter.
- Exploring independent travel training and greater use of the Council’s own fleet.
- The Chair was authorised to write to national bodies calling for reform of SEND transport funding and guidance.
Edge of Care offer
- The Committee approved a one‑year pilot Edge of Care approach, aimed at keeping children safely at home and reducing the need for care placements.
- The model combines:
- Functional Family Therapy (ages 0–9)
- Multisystemic Therapy (ages 10–17)
- Investment of £532,822 was approved from the Children’s Improvement Fund, with formal reviews planned at three and six months.
Families First Partnership Programme
- Members noted progress in implementing the Families First Partnership Programme in line with national reforms.
- Officers confirmed the authority is ready for implementation from April 2026, with full rollout required by March 2027.
- The programme is fully funded through aligned grant streams, with quarterly reporting to the Department for Education.
National Year of Reading
- The Committee unanimously supported activities marking 2026 as the National Year of Reading.
- A Member Task and Finish Group will support work with schools, libraries and community partners.
- Members noted links between reading outcomes and issues such as screen time and mobile phone use in schools.
Improvement Plan progress
- Members noted progress against the Children’s Improvement Plan.
- Workforce recruitment, retention and stability were identified as key ongoing challenges.
- Further information was requested on social worker placements and retention.
Overall themes
- Strong focus on early intervention, SEND sufficiency, and cost control without compromising statutory duties.
- Recognition of system pressures, particularly in transport and workforce sustainability.
- Clear emphasis on national engagement and reform advocacy, especially around SEND funding