Camden Council is focusing on the health and well-being of children, young people, and families, as highlighted in a recent Children, Schools and Families Scrutiny Committee meeting. The meeting, held on Monday 23 June 2025, addressed key issues ranging from school attendance to health outcomes and services for children with special needs.
One of the key topics discussed was persistent absence in Camden schools. Provisional data indicates that while persistent absence rates are lower than in the previous two years, they remain above national averages. The committee identified specific cohorts most affected, including children with Special Educational Needs, those known to social care, and children from Asian/Bangladeshi communities. Ongoing initiatives to improve attendance, such as parental text messaging campaigns and Family Hub support, were also discussed.
The committee also reviewed the Annual Health Report on Children, Young People and Families for 2024/25. The report summarizes health outcomes, focusing on population health metrics, inequalities, and intersectionality data. Key metrics included infant and child mortality rates, maternity statistics, early years data on immunisation coverage, and young people data on teenage pregnancy. Updates were provided on initiatives like the Raise Camden programme and the Equitable Services Programme, designed to improve health and address inequalities.
In addition, the committee celebrated the recent Ofsted Inspection of Children's Services in Camden, which judged the services to be outstanding. The inspection highlighted strengths in early help services and support for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. The committee also discussed an action plan to address areas for development identified by Ofsted.
The meeting also addressed deputations regarding free school meals and functional needs assessments for children with autism. These issues are available in the supplementary agenda.
The full reports pack provides further details on these discussions and related documents.