Together for Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee - 25 June 2025

The meeting began with the election of the Committee’s leadership. Councillor Ewert was nominated by Councillor Glasson and seconded by Councillor Line, while Councillor Johnson was nominated by Councillor Knight and seconded by Councillor Desmond. After a vote, Councillor Ewert was elected Chairman and subsequently assumed the chair, acknowledging the previous Chairman’s four‑year term. A second election was held for Vice Chairman; Councillor Johnson was nominated by Councillor Knight and seconded by Councillor Desmonde, and Councillor Moore was nominated by Councillor Ewert and seconded by Councillor Ball. The vote resulted in Councillor Moore being elected Vice Chairman.

The Committee approved the minutes from the Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 5 March 2025. The motion, moved by Councillor Clemens and seconded by Councillor Ewert, was resolved and the minutes were to be signed by the Chairman.

The Chairman then welcomed the Cabinet of Children, Families and Schools to the Together for Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee. No public questions were submitted during the session.

Three issues were raised for the Cabinet Member’s consideration: (1) the absence of hazard markings outside a local primary school; (2) the Council’s planned approach to a “smartphone‑free” campaign in schools; and (3) the provision of appropriate support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). These concerns were recorded as part of the Committee’s scrutiny work.