Agenda item

Report of the Executive Director, Community & Children’s Services.

The Sub-Committee received a report of the Executive Director, Community & Children’s Services concerning the Families in the City programme and provides Members with an update on progress. Families in the City is the Department for Community and Children’s Services (DCCS) and partners’ response to national government reform of Children Social Care and changes in delivery of our services for 0–5-year-olds in the City of London.

Officers introduced the paper as the programme lead for Families in the City. The initiative, which began in March,integrates three key workstreams: the Families First reform programme responding to new children's social care reforms, the development of Start for Life services for children aged 0–5, and the development of a family hub. The programme aims to maximise equity and accessibility for all children in the City, regardless of background or protected characteristics. A Family Design Lab has been established to engage families meaningfully and avoid duplication in consultation efforts. Engagement is also underway with staff. Links have been made with the Shoreditch Trust’s We Connect in the City programme, supported by the City of London’s Community Infrastructure Levy Neighbourhood Fund, which is delivering family services at the Aldgate Centre on Fridays.

The Family Design Lab currently has 12 parents and carers signed up, with a welcome session scheduled later that day. Members raised concerns about the reach of communications and suggested direct outreach to families, including those in Portsoken, to improve awareness and participation. Officers confirmed that flyers have been distributed in collaboration with the Shoreditch Trust and that further outreach in Portsoken  is planned.

Members emphasised the importance of including The Aldgate School in the programme, referencing a prior commitment made at CCS. Officers explained that while direct service delivery at the school is currently limited, engagement efforts continue and a three-week summer programme is planned at the school where the family hub and design lab can be promoted. Officers highlighted the governance structure, noting The Aldgate School’s involvement through various boards and subgroups, which ensures their voice is part of the decision-making process.

Officers confirmed that all actions listed in the summary action plan have been completed, although the document was submitted before updates were finalised. The lab has launched, and a welcome session is planned to develop a more detailed programme of activities. Outreach will continue to ensure underrepresented groups are included. A full suite of services will be available on the Family Information Service website from the first week of September, with in-person access across the City.

Members requested that a formal report be presented to CCS in September, not just as an information item but as a discussion paper, to reflect the strategic importance and public interest in the programme. Officers confirmed that updates will be provided to CCS and that communications will be circulated to members when the programme launches.

RESOLVED – That, the report be noted.