Framework aims to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND
Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) have launched a joint framework for inspecting provision for children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
The framework will aim to assess how far local area services are going beyond their legal duties to provide support for SEND children and young people.
A cycle of inspections has also been announced which aims to strengthen accountability across support services and improve overall improvement for SEND support. Inspectors will be made up by education, health, and social care workers.
His Majesty’s Chief Inspector, Amanda Spielman, commented:
“Every child deserves a good education and the opportunity to reach their full potential. But for too long outcomes for children with SEND have fallen short. It’s not right that families are often left to navigate a complex system to get the support their children need.
The need to address long-standing issues within the SEND system is more urgent than ever. Our new framework concentrates on the outcomes and experiences of young people with SEND, to highlight how the system works for them. I am grateful for all the responses we received, which helped shape our new framework, including those from young people and their families. As the sector prepares for future reform, I hope our new framework will act as a catalyst for much-needed improvement.”
Dr Sean O’Kelly, Chief Inspector of Hospitals and interim Chief Inspector of Primary Medical Services, said:
“Since 2016, CQC’s joint SEND inspections with Ofsted have shown there’s more to be done so that children and young people with SEND, and their families, receive the support and care that they need. It’s also clear that even though times have been challenging, staff in health care and in local agencies want to be able to do provide this vital support together.
With thanks to everyone who responded to the consultation, the new framework will help drive needed improvements with a greater focus on hearing from people who experience services – providing meaningful oversight of SEND provision built around the voices and experiences of those who know it best.”
Minister for Children, Families, and Wellbeing, Claire Coutinho, said:
“A world-class education should be available to every child, no matter their level of need. Too many families feel like they have to fight the system to get the right support, and I’m determined to see this change.
Ofsted’s new framework is a positive step change and will give parents and carers more confidence in the support their children receive in school. It sits alongside our ambitious programme of reform that focuses on driving better outcomes and standards for children and young people across the country.”
