Issue

early intervention

18 stories · discussed at 12 council meetings · 17 councils

Councils are reforming children's services and integrating preventative health and social care to enhance early intervention.

Wandsworth Council is addressing significant challenges in its Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services, including budget overspends, with proposals outlined in September 2026 to safeguard performance. Redbridge Council's Cabinet approved a Children's Social Care Sufficiency Strategy in September 2026 to provide accommodation for children in care. Hackney Council is overhauling children's social care with its 'Families First Partnership Programme', establishing a neighbourhood-based Family Help service in September 2026 to prioritise early intervention.

Ealing Council approved a £60 million Better Care Fund plan for 2026/27 in September 2026, focusing on integrated and preventative health and social care services. Havering Council agreed in September 2026 to review its mental wellbeing support services to identify gaps and improve coordination. Kensington and Chelsea Council is investing in early intervention services for young people's mental health due to long waiting times, as discussed in July 2026.

Hackney Council's Cabinet is scheduled to discuss early intervention in October 2026. The topic involves providing support and services at the earliest possible stage to prevent problems from escalating, particularly for children and families. Brent Council's Cabinet approved insourcing Best Start Family Hubs support services from April 2027 to create an integrated council-led Family Hub and Early Help model.

Key facts

  1. Wandsworth Council's Interim Executive Director of Children's Services outlined proposals to safeguard performance amidst SEND service pressures in September 2026. Source
  2. Redbridge Council's Cabinet approved the Children's Social Care Sufficiency Strategy 2026–2029 in September 2026. Source
  3. Ealing Council approved a £60 million plan for the Better Care Fund for the 2026/27 financial year in September 2026. Source
  4. Hackney Council is implementing a 'Families First Partnership Programme' to overhaul children's social care, as reported in September 2026. Source 1 Source 2
  5. Brent Council's Cabinet approved the insourcing of Best Start Family Hubs support services from April 1, 2027. 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.

Stories, page 2

  1. One in three young people miss out on mental health support One in three young people miss out on vital mental health support Kensington and Chelsea 25 July 2026
  2. Bexley Council Adopts New Community Safety Strategy Focused on Prevention and Intervention Bexley Council has formally adopted a new community safety strategy, aiming to bolster crime prevention and early intervention efforts across the borough. Bexley 17 July 2026
  3. Newham's neighbourhood health approach to tackle inequalities Newham Council is implementing a comprehensive neighbourhood health approach to tackle health inequalities across the borough, with a focus on prevention and bringing care... Newham 30 June 2026
  4. Health and Wellbeing Board to Review Future Direction and Scope Amidst Shifting Landscape The Hammersmith and Fulham Health and Wellbeing Board is set to review its future direction and operational scope in response to significant shifts within the health and social... Hammersmith and Fulham 26 June 2026
  5. Youth justice service highlights significant health needs Young people in contact with Hammersmith and Fulham's Youth Justice Service (YJS) are experiencing significant health needs, including a high prevalence of mental health issues,... Hammersmith and Fulham 26 June 2026
  6. SEND Reforms Face Funding and Workforce Challenges Amidst Growing Deficit Concerns over funding and workforce capacity are casting a shadow over the implementation of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) reforms, according to discussions... Kensington and Chelsea 10 June 2026
  7. Waltham Forest Council Approves £75.8 Million Contract for Children's Health Services Waltham Forest Council's Cabinet has approved a significant £75.8 million contract for children's health services, a move designed to enhance early intervention and support for... Waltham Forest 6 June 2026
  8. Redbridge Council reviews progress on SEND services following Ofsted report Redbridge Council's Children and Young People Policy Development Committee has reviewed a report detailing significant progress and ongoing work in improving services for... Redbridge 18 March 2026