New SEND inspections framework is confirmed
By Gemma Raw
Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) have published a new joint SEND inspection framework for inspections of local provision for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The new framework, which comes into effect in January 2023, follows on from a consultation on the proposed changes, which sought input from parents and carers of children and young people with SEND, as well as professionals and practitioners, such as social workers (see our previous blog).
SEND local area partnerships include representatives from health, education, the local authority and the parent carer forum. Under the new inspection regime, they will now be assessed to see how they are going beyond simply fulfilling their statutory obligations, to make a positive different to the lives of children and young people with SEND.
Responding to increased demand
Over the last few years, there has been a steady rise in the number of children and young people with special educational needs (SEN) support. Taking this into account, the new SEND inspections framework requires inspectors to evaluate how local authorities commission and oversee alternative provision to ensure they are meeting demand effectively.
The SEND inspection framework will employ a multi-disciplinary approach in gathering evidence, with an inspection team that includes education, health and social care inspectors. To increase accountability across local area partnerships and support continuous improvement in the SEND system, a new regular cycle of inspections will be introduced. There will also be a programme of monitoring inspections for areas with systemic or widespread weaknesses.
Sampling visits
As part of the inspection process, inspectors will visit providers and services across education, health and social care to review the experiences of a wider group of children and young people. These ‘sampling visits’ will enable inspectors to review the impact of the local area partnership’s arrangements on a larger group of children and young people with SEND. Inspectors will evaluate children and young people’s experiences and outcomes by reviewing documents and talking to practitioners, such as teachers and social workers.
Inspectors carrying out sampling visits in social care will consider the identification, assessment, intervention and transition stages of social care support. This may include visits to services such as the disabled children’s team, early intervention support and adult social care teams.
“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,” said Dr Sean O’Kelly, Chief Inspector of Hospitals and interim Chief Inspector of Medical Services. “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.”
Read the full Area SEND inspections: handbook and framework here. You can also download Ofsted and CQCs response to the consultation here. A commentary on the new framework by Ofsted Chief Inspector Amanda Spielman is available here.
