Ofsted

Failed SEND councils could get four-year reprieve

Introduction of new SEND inspection framework means revisits clock has been reset

Introduction of new SEND inspection framework means revisits clock has been reset

Exclusive

Councils with “significant weaknesses” in special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision may not be inspected again for up to four and a half years, following the introduction of Ofsted’s new framework.

The new regime by the inspectorate and the Care Quality Commission came into effect on January 1.

Local SEND services will be judged more on the impact they have on children, with more scrutiny on alternative provision.

Figures show that more than two thirds of councils inspected by Ofsted last year had “significant weaknesses” in how they supported pupils with SEND – the worst record since the watchdog started its visits six years ago.

Areas found to have significant weaknesses produced a “written statement of action” (WSoA), and then faced a revisit, usually within 18 months.

But revisits for areas subject to WSoAs under the old framework ended in December, and although Ofsted completed 13 last term, 23 areas have not received them.

Seven were last inspected in mid-2021, meaning their revisits would have been due soon. But Ofsted is now only guaranteeing those areas will get an inspection within three years, meaning some could wait more than four years.

‘It will make problems worse’

Hayley Harding, the founder of the SEND pupil and parent campaign group Let Us Learn Too, said delays would “just mean problems getting worse, more pressure being put on families and ultimately more children’s educational futures being lost”.

She said inspections were the only form of investigation for local authority SEND departments that “actually highlight the challenges that disabled children and young people face when trying to get the services and help that they need”.

Steven Wright, a parent campaigner on SEND in Suffolk, warned that if areas were left unchecked “there would be a very high chance that there would be no improvement”.

“Ofsted inspections are currently the only motivation for improvement. And if that’s taken away, even if it’s just a delay … the council as a system will effectively relax and allow things to drift.”

An Ofsted spokesperson said full inspections of areas previously subject to a WSoA would consider “previously identified weaknesses and any progress made” when reaching a judgment.

When scheduling inspections, Ofsted said it would take account of previous outcomes, the time since the last inspection and “any other information” that may “indicate that an inspection may need to take place sooner”.

During engagement meetings with all local areas, the bodies will also “identify any issues of concern”.

Latest education roles from

Executive Director of Finance – Moulton College

Executive Director of Finance – Moulton College

FEA

Director of Governance – HRUC

Director of Governance – HRUC

FEA

Principal and CEO

Principal and CEO

Hills Road Sixth Form College

Senior Quality Officer

Senior Quality Officer

University of Lancashire

Sponsored posts

Sponsored post

IncludEd Conference: Get Inclusion Ready

As we all clamber to make sense of the new Ofsted framework, it can be hard to know where...

SWAdvertorial
Sponsored post

Helping every learner use AI responsibly

AI didn’t wait to be invited into the classroom. It burst in mid-lesson. Across UK schools, pupils are already...

SWAdvertorial
Sponsored post

Retire Early, Live Fully: What Teachers Need to Consider First

Specialist Financial Adviser, William Adams, from Wesleyan Financial Services discusses what teachers should be considering when it comes to...

SWAdvertorial
Sponsored post

AI Safety: From DfE Guidance to Classroom Confidence

Darren Coxon, edtech consultant and AI education specialist, working with The National College, explores the DfE’s expectations for AI...

SWAdvertorial

More from this theme

Ofsted

Nudge unit calls for ‘eye-catching’ national Ofsted inspection survey

The Behavioural Insights Team also recommends Ofsted 'emphasise' in inspector training how to reduce the formality of conversations

Samantha Booth
Ofsted

Small schools demand Ofsted clarity over report card impact

Inspectors will conduct three learning walks on the first day of inspections and hold at least five 'reflection meetings'...

Lydia Chantler-Hicks
Ofsted

Ofsted chief calls for new state school standards ‘enshrined in law’

Sir Martyn Oliver says new legislation would 'stop Ofsted from tinkering' and 'deciding to do something new'

Lydia Chantler-Hicks
Ofsted

Ofsted inspections of MATs should be ungraded, says CST

Confederation of School Trusts (CST) gives its feedback on plans for academy trust inspections

Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Your thoughts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *