2026 Board meeting summaries

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10 February 2026

Budget setting 2026/27

The Board discussed the challenging issues related to budget setting and the difficult decisions which have been made. The budget has been presented to all three owning local authorities.

Treasury plan 2026/27

The treasury plan was shared with the Board with a request for recommendation to submit to the local authorities for approval. The content was discussed and the Board approved the treasury plan for submission to the owning local authorities.

Strategic plan 2026/27

The strategic plan was shared with the Board for review and recommendation to the local authorities. There were no requests for changes and the Board agreed for the strategic plan to be shared with the owning local authorities.

Updates from Directors of Children's Services  

Windsor and Maidenhead 

The Windsor and Maidenhead Director of Children's Services had given apologies for this meeting. The Board were updated on the recent Ofsted focused visit for arrangements of children in care, noting that the outcome report will be shared once published.

Kingston and Richmond  

There was an update highlighting the following:

• Continued delays in receiving the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) reforms paper and the potential impact.
• Richmond area SEND inspection revisit with Department for Education officials and the National SEND advisor is scheduled in March.
• An update was provided on the children’s social care reforms and Best Start in Life.
• The implementation of the Best Start in Life plans will be published by the end of March and a parent friendly summary will be produced.
• Update on the challenging financial position of schools, in particular the issue of falling school roles at primary level.

Chief Operating and Finance Officer update

There was an update from the Chief Operating and Finance Officer in relation to the reports circulated with the agenda.

• The quarter three financial position remains challenging for all three owning boroughs.
• The Windsor and Maidenhead children’s home is now open.
• Teams are working through the social care reforms.
• The health and safety annual review shows good progress compared to the previous year.
• There has been positive progress in procurement with plans to merge the procurement functions into one team.

30 March 2026

Audit and Risk Committee items

External audit plan

The external auditors, Crowe LLP, presented the audit plan for the 2025/26 accounts, including key risks and areas of focus.  Members had the opportunity to ask questions and agreed the plan.

Approval of accounting policies

The Board gave formal approval for the policies, noting there are no recommendations for any changes. Policies are in line with national standards so we are comfortable they are appropriate.

Internal audit: annual report and plan

Kingston and Richmond

The audit charter, strategy and plan for the next financial year was shared and the Board were advised that the current year’s plan is on track to be completed within timescale. There was a discussion regarding the outcomes and proposed actions for the current year’s audits.

The Board approved the 2026/27 audit plan for Kingston and Richmond, as well as the internal audit charter and standards.

Windsor and Maidenhead

An update was provided on the 2025/26 audit plan. The Board were advised that the 2026/27 internal audit plan was approved by the Windsor and Maidenhead internal Audit and Governance Committee, and was presented to the Board for information.

The Audit and Risk Committee business was concluded and thanks was given to Lil Brett who is standing down as chair of the Committee.

Achieving for Children (AfC) Board

Report from the chair

The chair noted that the Board session will focus on executive updates, particularly around future risk and capacity to deliver change and transformation. 

Updates from Directors of Children's Services

Kingston and Richmond  

There was an update highlighting the following:

• Significant work resulting from the various incoming reforms, including the recently published SEND reforms.
• The Best Start in Life plan is ongoing with partnership engagement to help us refine our action plan.
• A youth justice service inspection is expected as well as the local area SEND inspection in Kingston.
• An update was provided on the government's decision regarding the proposal for three new free schools.
• The children’s home building is on track to be handed over by the end of summer and opening early next year. Conversations are also taking place in Richmond regarding supported accommodation options.
• Transformation works are ongoing in both Richmond and Kingston.
• The parent and carer champion network won a Mayor of London’s award for supporting children and young people.
• An update was provided on the budget and funding challenges.

Windsor and Maidenhead 

There was an update highlighting the following:

• Ofsted focused visit on children in care, which resulted in a positive outcome.
• The local area SEND inspection is expected soon.
• An update was provided regarding the children's services budget, including the current situation and agreed budget for 2026/27.
• Information was shared on the transformation programme and the significant volume of reforms coming through.
• An update was provided regarding the decision made in terms of the proposed new special school.

Chief Operating and Finance Officer update

There was an update highlighting the following:

• Resourcing challenges impacting the Business Services directorate, particularly resulting from various transformation programmes.
• A redesign in Business Services has been completed and established a new leadership team.
• School budget challenges, including the impact of falling school numbers.
• A review of provider services to ensure financial viability as well as the correct governance structure, staff and skills are in post.
• A review of health and safety procedures at the Civic Centre in Twickenham to ensure the safety of staff working in volatile situations.
• The Chair of the AfC Board’s term concludes at the end of August and planning for a replacement has begun with the owning councils.