Education and Children's Services Committee
Richmond's Education and Children's Services Committee is currently addressing significant financial overspends and a surge in statutory complaints.
Richmond's Education and Children's Services Committee heard in September 2026 that children's services face a projected £1.456 million overspend for the current financial year, with the Dedicated Schools Grant forecast to overspend by £10.677 million. This includes a projected £1.810 million overspend in the Children Looked After placement budget, driven by high-cost placements. A report also showed statutory complaints surged by 73% in the last year, from 26 in 2024-25 to 45 in 2025-26, attributed to growing case complexity.
In March 2026, the committee deemed Richmond's post-16 education and training offer suitable and sufficient, noting a high rate of sustained education, training, and employment for 16 and 17-year-olds. However, the committee also expressed concern over a persistent attainment gap for disadvantaged pupils, despite overall strong results. In January 2026, the committee recommended granting care-experienced young people priority in the borough's housing allocations scheme.
Key facts
- Children's services in Richmond upon Thames are facing a projected overspend of £1.456 million for the current financial year. Source
- The Dedicated Schools Grant is forecast to overspend by £10.677 million. Source
- The Children Looked After placement budget is projected to overspend by £1.810 million. Source
- Statutory complaints lodged with Richmond's children's services surged by 73% in the last year. Source
- The Education and Children's Services Committee deemed Richmond's post-16 education offer 'suitable and sufficient' in March 2026. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.