Lewisham Council is set to implement measures aimed at tackling racial inequality in educational attainment within the borough's schools, with a dedicated focus on the topic planned for March 2027.

The Children and Young People Select Committee discussed the upcoming municipal year's work programme, which includes a significant portion of the March meeting dedicated to discussing the implementation of strategies to tackle racial disparities in educational outcomes. This commitment underscores the council's dedication to ensuring equitable educational opportunities for all children and young people in Lewisham.

During the meeting on Tuesday, 30 June 2026, councillors agreed that the March 2027 meeting would specifically address the Tackling Race Inequality in Schools report. An evaluation of the Tackling Race Inequality in Education Pledge is currently underway, which includes surveys of pupils, parents, and staff, with the outcomes to be presented at a future meeting. The council also aims to strengthen inclusion and ensure pupils' views are heard, with pupil voice being led by schools and supported by the council through advice, shared good practice, and targeted pilots.

Councillor Aaron Regisford highlighted the importance of understanding how schools are implementing new educational programmes and preparing young people for employment. The work programme for the January 2027 meeting includes a discussion on how schools and educational provisions are experiencing the development and implementation of new programmes. Councillors may also visit schools to speak with headteachers and develop a collective understanding of trends across the borough. The intention is to gather data on the outcomes of students who have attended Lewisham schools and their subsequent access to work or further educational programmes.

While specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for initiatives tackling racial inequality in educational attainment were not detailed, the meeting did discuss a measurement framework for outcomes related to SEND reforms. This framework includes focusing on parental satisfaction and ensuring children's needs are met earlier to prevent escalation. Both qualitative and quantitative measurements will be incorporated into the local centre reform implementation plan.

Regarding resources, the council has secured significant funding for other projects. For instance, a children's home project received a £800,000 grant from the Department for Education and an additional £400,000 from asset sales, projected to provide an annual cost avoidance of around £700,000. For SEND reforms, Year 1 funding of £2.19m is allocated to commence implementation from September 2026 to March 2027. Approval of the Local SEND Reform Plan (LSRP) could result in the government covering up to 90% of the High Needs Block accumulated deficit, currently at £24.4m.

The council plans to engage with parents, students, and community groups through various methods. For SEND reforms, significant co-production with key stakeholders is planned, including a Parent/Carer forum event and a Young People/Inclusion Champions session. For engaging with global majority communities, place-based approaches and partnerships with faith-based groups and the voluntary sector will be utilised. Interpreters will also be available to support parents from diverse linguistic backgrounds.

The work programme outlines specific meeting dates for these discussions: September 2026 for the Family Help & Care and Children's Homes Project, November 2026 for the Youth Strategy, equality and inclusion, and trans youth, January 2027 for SEND reform implementation and educational programmes in schools, and March 2027 for the report on tackling racial inequality in educational attainment. The SEND reforms are part of a ten-year transformation programme, with Year 1 funding commencing in September 2026. The Experts at Hand model for SEND reform is expected to begin a test and trial phase in Autumn 2026.