Key issues including value for money, stronger governance, and increasing specialist school places for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) were discussed at the Cabinet meeting on 15 October. The council agreed to progress plans for four additional children's homes by 2030, aiming to keep more children within local residential, fostering, kinship care, and supported accommodation.
Currently, Warwickshire County Council operates five children's homes, all rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted. The approved recommendations from the Council’s Homes for Children Sufficiency Strategy will see four new homes built by 2030. This initiative is expected to allow more children to remain in Warwickshire, while also reducing the reliance on expensive out-of-county placements, which can cost up to £7,500 per week compared to the council's own placements costing around £5,000.
An updated Code of Corporate Governance was also approved, outlining how the council makes decisions, manages risks, and ensures public funds are used responsibly. This code aims to enhance accountability and focus on delivering services that meet residents' needs and offer value for money.
Furthermore, a review of policies for Warwickshire's libraries and public spaces was considered. Cabinet agreed to implement the review's recommendations, which include updating staff guidance and training, providing clearer guidelines for displays and room hire, and exploring methods to better reflect local community needs.
Plans to repurpose the former Great Alne School site near Alcester were also approved, creating 40 additional Specialist Education Provision places for primary-aged children. This development addresses the current shortfall of specialist places in Warwickshire, offering a cost-effective solution to enable more children to learn closer to home.
“"Today’s decisions reflect our commitment to finding better, simpler ways of doing things while making every pound count. Whether it's creating more specialist school places, investing in children's homes within Warwickshire, or strengthening the way we manage contracts and services, we're focused on delivering the best outcomes at the best value. By bringing services closer to home and improving the way we work, we're making services more reliable, more responsive and better able to meet the needs of Warwickshire residents. At the same time, we're reducing unnecessary costs and ensuring strong governance, accountability and value for money across the council."
