Appendix 5 CSD - 30.06.2026

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The number of children on a Child Protection Plan fell to 49.9 per 10,000 children (521 children) by the end of 2025/26, down from 59.3 (614 children) at the end of 2024/25. p7

All East Sussex County Council residential children's homes continue to be rated 'Good' or 'Outstanding' by Ofsted. p6

The average Attainment 8 score for state funded schools in East Sussex was 43.1, compared to a national average of 46.0 and below the target of 44.0. p16

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• p6Using the DfE approved Outcomes Tracker, Mockingbird is estimated to have avoided costs of £125k, mainly by ensuring that children could be cared for within the Hub rather than needing alternative respite care. The Constellation acts as a wider network, not simply relying on the Hub carers; when an unexpected issue arose for one of the families, all 3 children in their care were able to move to other homes within the constellation. This avoided costly alternative care and most importantly meant that the children were with people who they knew. Anecdotally, new carers, particularly those transferring from independent foster agencies (IFAs) have told us that Mockingbird was part of their decision making. Ofsted inspections of Residential Homes All East Sussex County Council Residential Children’s Homes continue to be rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted (Broderick House achieving Outstanding in October 2025). We have strengthened our provision for children with the most complex needs close to home. Care Leaver Event On Wednesday 25 March, the Council hosted a partnership engagement event focused on improving outcomes for care leavers in East Sussex. The ‘Thriving Futures: Empowering Care Experienced Young People in East Sussex’ took place at Heathfield Youth Hub and brought together over 40 senior leaders from various sectors including housing, health and education. Youth engagement – Children in Care Council and Care Leavers Council The CICC is made up of 16 young people aged 13–18 who play an active role in shaping services across East Sussex. During 2025/26, they have contributed to staff interviews for Newly Qualified Social Workers and senior roles, presented twice to the Corporate Parenting Panel, and worked closely with senior managers to help reshape the Council’s Participation Team. Their work has strengthened youth voice representation and ensured children in care are meaningfully involved in decision-making.
• p7A major achievement this year was the launch of the My Things Matter Project, which provides plastic storage boxes to help children and young people move their belongings safely and with dignity. The project is now accessible through 5 locations across East Sussex and has received national recognition, including first place at the Coram Voice National Voice Awards and being voted Most Inspirational Project at the Amplify All Star Awards. The Care Leavers Council continues to meet regularly and had a successful year, including the appointment of 2 care leavers as National Champions for the National Leaving Care Benchmarking Forum. Mental Health and Wellbeing Project The Health and Wellbeing Project supports care experienced young people to improve their mental wellbeing through personalised Health Budgets, access to community activities, and co‑produced Health and Wellbeing plans. A Mental Health Nurse Specialist embedded within the team provides direct support, particularly around trauma, anxiety, self‑esteem and social isolation, with a strong focus on early intervention and preventing escalation into specialist mental health services. Over the past 3 years the project has supported more than 350 young people, including 163 during 2025/26. Evaluation shows the project has supported significant improvements in young people’s health and wellbeing. Rate of children with a Child Protection Plan (per 10,000 children) (ref vii) There has been a reduction of the number of children on a Child Protection Plan in Q4 bringing the outturn for 2025/26 to 49.9 per 10,000 children (521 children), compared to 59.3 (614 children) at the end of 2024/25. This measure is kept under scrutiny and is subject to on-going review, with leads meeting monthly to review all plans over 18 months.
• p16Average Attainment 8 score for state funded schools (ref ii) and The average Attainment 8 score for disadvantaged pupils (ref iii) Attainment has improved across East Sussex this year, including higher proportions of young people achieving grades 9–4 in English and maths, narrowing the gap with national averages for all and disadvantaged pupils, which is key outcome for progression to post 16 learning and employment. The average Attainment 8 score for state funded schools is 43.1 compared to the national average of 46.0. This is below our target of 44.0. The average Attainment 8 score for disadvantaged pupils is 30.3 compared to the national average of 34.9. This is just below our target of 30.5. Further improvement, is needed, particularly in some coastal secondary academies where outcomes remain low and attendance continues to significantly affect progress, especially given the impact of larger schools on overall county results. To address this, targeted school improvement actions for the academic year 2025/26 include: