To receive apologies for absence.

Apologies had been received from Councillor Clare Davies and Councillor David Hitchiner.

To receive details of members nominated to attend the meeting in place of a member of the committee.

Councillor Liz Harvey was substituting for Councillor David Hitchiner.

To receive declarations of interests from members of the committee in respect of items on the agenda.

Councillor Frank Cornthwaite stated that he had grandchildren attending a number of schools within Herefordshire.

To receive the minutes of the meeting held on 22 July 2026.

The minutes of the previous meeting were received.

Resolved: That the minutes of the meeting held on 22 July 2026 be confirmed as a correct record and be signed by the Chairperson.

To receive any written questions from members of the public.

There had been no questions from members of the public.

To receive any written questions from members of the council.

There had been no questions from members of the council.

To provide the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee with an overview of current Alternative Provision in Herefordshire, including the Herefordshire Pupil Referral Service (HPRS), and the capital programme being developed to increase capacity, strengthen early intervention and improve the quality and sustainability of Alternative Provision.

1. The committee received an overview of alternative provision (AP) in Herefordshire and the capital investment programme to increase capacity and improve outcomes for children and young people.

2. Officers explained that AP operates across three tiers: Tier 1 support within mainstream schools, Tier 2 short-term intervention aimed at reintegration, and Tier 3 longer-term provision for pupils with significant needs or permanent exclusion. The discussion focused on expanding Tier 2 and Tier 3 provision.

3. Officers reported substantial growth in demand, driven by increasing numbers of children with complex needs, rising Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) difficulties, attendance concerns and pressures on mainstream schools. The number of pupils accessing AP had increased from 126 in 2024 to 305 currently. Demand was greatest among secondary-age pupils but was also increasing in primary schools. Special schools were operating at full capacity, increasing reliance on AP.

4. Children accessing AP were disproportionately likely to have SEND, EHCPs, free school meal eligibility or looked-after status. Herefordshire also had a higher proportion of EHCP pupils within AP than comparable authorities, reflecting difficulties securing specialist placements and suitable educational pathways.

5. Members heard that access routes included permanent exclusion, repeated suspension, Section 19 duties, Education Otherwise Than At School (EOTAS) arrangements and SEND-related needs. At the same time, financial pressures on mainstream schools had reduced access to specialist support and interventions. Rising levels of school avoidance, anxiety, behavioural difficulties and attendance issues were increasing demand for specialist and personalised provision.

6. The committee received details of the Herefordshire Pupil Referral Service (HPRS), which had 64 commissioned places but accommodation suitable for around 47 pupils. Existing facilities were described as outdated and unable to meet current levels of need, limiting opportunities for short-term intervention and reintegration.

7. Members heard that Full Council had approved a £12 million capital programme to expand and relocate HPRS and create a dedicated Tier 2 AP centre – as none currently exists in-county. Officers stated that both projects were necessary to increase capacity, improve facilities and reduce reliance on expensive out-of-county and independent placements. Work to identify suitable premises was ongoing.

8. Officers outlined strengthened commissioning, safeguarding and quality assurance arrangements, including provider monitoring, attendance tracking and safeguarding oversight. These arrangements covered both registered and unregistered providers and had previously been recognised as a strength during SEND inspection activity.

9. Examples were provided of positive outcomes achieved through AP, including reintegration into mainstream education, progression to further education or apprenticeships and attainment of academic and vocational qualifications. Officers emphasised that AP should be viewed as an intervention designed to secure positive long-term outcomes.

10. Discussion highlighted the importance of early intervention within mainstream schools. Officers noted that many pupils could be supported through Tier 1 provision and outlined SEND reforms and locality-based “Experts at Hand” teams, intended to provide quicker access to specialist advice, educational psychology and therapeutic support.

11. Questions explored financial implications. Officers advised that insufficient local capacity increased spending on independent schools, online tuition and commissioned provision. AP placements cost around £21,500 annually  ...  view the full minutes text for item 36.

To provide the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee with an overview of Herefordshire’s current not in education, employment or training (NEET) figures, including: the Impact of data updates on NEET average figures and an overview of the focussed service action plan with milestones.

[Please note: since its original publication, this report has been amnded to ensure compliance with GDPR legislation]

1. Members examined the position of young people who were not in education, employment or training (NEET), focusing on Herefordshire's comparatively poor performance, the groups most affected, actions to improve outcomes and whether current arrangements represented value for money.

2. Officers explained that Herefordshire's NEET performance was significantly affected by high numbers of young people recorded as "not known", largely due to staffing shortages, a long-term vacancy, maternity leave and limited tracking capacity, which reduced the council's ability to maintain contact and accurate records.

3. Officers advised that, while NEET status did not create a separate safeguarding duty, unknown young people presented additional risks. A Department for Education-approved recovery plan included reviewing unknown cases, increasing staffing capacity, weekly tracking reviews and enhanced governance oversight. Unknown cases had already reduced significantly.

4. Vulnerability factors strongly influenced the likelihood of becoming NEET. SEND, care experience, youth justice involvement, mental health difficulties and deprivation were all significant predictors, with care experience identified as one of the strongest risk factors. Many young people entering the NEET cohort had initially secured post-16 placements but failed to sustain them.

5. Officers reported that NEET and not-known cohorts were disproportionately concentrated in deprived communities. Rural isolation, limited public transport, travel costs and the concentration of post-16 provision in a small number of locations were considered important contributing factors.

6. Members received further information on the Youth Employment Hub, which provides personalised employability support, referrals, CV assistance and interview preparation. More than 400 young people had been supported, targets exceeded and many participants had progressed into employment or education. However, the service relied heavily on short-term grant funding and had outgrown its current accommodation.

7. Officers acknowledged that dependence on external grants and annual bidding rounds created uncertainty and restricted long-term planning. The current funding model was considered unsustainable, and work continued to secure additional funding while maintaining provision through partnerships.

8. Officers highlighted the role of the Herefordshire Skills Board and ongoing work to develop an Employment and Skills Strategy focused on employment pathways, work experience and entry-level opportunities. Young people often wanted to work but faced barriers including anxiety, poor mental health, limited opportunities and lack of employer feedback.

9. Members questioned why Herefordshire continued to perform worse than many statistical neighbours. Officers confirmed further analysis of the known NEET cohort was underway and highlighted engagement with neighbouring authorities, particularly Shropshire, while recognising wider national challenges affecting vulnerable young people and entry-level employment.

10. Officers clarified that young people in employment but not engaged in recognised education or training were recorded as not meeting the duty to participate rather than as NEET. Historically, Herefordshire had experienced relatively high numbers entering employment without training, particularly in lower-skilled sectors. Attempts to encourage apprenticeship pathways had achieved limited success.

11. Officers reported that most young people secured post-16 places successfully, but difficulties often arose when placements broke down after enrolment. A lack of flexible mid-year opportunities meant young people leaving courses could face delays before accessing alternatives, increasing the risk of becoming NEET. Capacity pressures were emerging within construction  ...  view the full minutes text for item 37.

To consider the work programme for the committee.

The committee reviewed its work programme.

Resolved that:

The committee approve the work programme as set out at Appendix 1.

Thursday 10 December 2026, 2pm

Thursday 10 December 2026, 2pm