Views sought on new approach to area SEND inspections

Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) have launched a consultation on proposals for a new joint framework for inspecting provision for children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) within a local area.

The new framework will focus on the experiences and outcomes of children and young people with SEND.

The proposals broaden the focus of inspection to look not only at whether local area partnerships are identifying and meeting the needs of children and young people with SEND, but also to assess the impact on their lives and outcomes.

The new framework will build on and strengthen accountability for local areas by introducing an ongoing cycle of inspections and three distinct inspection outcomes, and carrying out engagement meetings in all areas. It will strengthen Ofsted’s response where there are concerns through monitoring inspections and/or early re-inspections, and promote continuous improvement for all by requesting visible action plans following full inspections.

To further support these aims, inspection teams will include inspectors from education, health and care so that there can be a deeper understanding of how effective joint working is in a specific area.

Inspections will also focus on children in alternative provision, the majority of whom have SEND, by evaluating how local authorities commission, use and oversee it.

And there will be a greater push to gather evidence from children and young people with SEND and their families directly, as well as from area leaders, practitioners, and settings, so that inspectors understand what it is like to be a child or young person with SEND in any local area in England.

The consultation, which runs from today to September 11, is part of a range of engagement activities Ofsted and CQC will be doing with the sector, children and young people, parents, and carers.

The new inspections will be introduced in early 2023.