Agenda and minutes

The Committee noted the evacuation and housekeeping procedure.

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve the minutes of the last meeting held on 3^rd November 2025

AGREED the minutes of the meeting held on 03 November 2025 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To consider and agree the draft final report.

Consideration was given to the draft final report and recommendations for the Scrutiny Review of Partnership Working in Early Help. The aim of the review was to gain a greater understanding of Early Help in Stockton-on-Tees and identify where partnership works could be improved.

The review provided a comprehensive understanding of the Early Help landscape in Stockton-on-Tees. The review’s recommendations aimed to strengthen governance structures, improve communication and provide easy access to services, and invest in joint training and shared system. It promoted the principle of shared responsibility across partners and to produce strategies with families and partners, which included the VCSE sector, education, health, and police, and build a more integrated and responsive Early Help system that ensured children and families received the right support at the right time. This would foster resilient communities and give children the best possible start in life.

The Cabinet Member noted that the report was comprehensive and praised the work conducted to review partnership arrangements across the Borough. It was acknowledged that the review had highlighted several recommendations that strengthen Early Help delivery, improved coordination and communication between partners.

The Chair thanked the Committee, Officers, and organisations that had provided evidence for their contributions to the review. The Committee expressed appreciation for the quality of the report and the work undertaken by the officers to produce it and looked forward to the action plan.

AGREED that the final report be approved for submission to Cabinet.

Consideration was given to the Work Programme. The next review was Post 16 Provision, and the draft and project plan would be brought to the next meeting on the 5^th of January 2026.