A new approach to area SEND inspections

This consultation seeks your views on proposed changes to the way Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) jointly inspect local area partnerships to assess how they work together to improve the experiences and outcomes of children and young people who have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

We are seeking the widest possible range of views from those who have an interest in, or expertise relating to, disability, special educational needs (SEN) and/or alternative provision. We particularly want to hear from children and young people who have SEND, and their parents and carers. We are also keen to hear from local authorities, clinical commissioning groups, professionals and practitioners involved in the commissioning and delivery of services to children and young people with SEND.

Supporting documents

Alongside the consultation document, we are also publishing:

• an easy-read version of the consultation
• the draft equalities impact statement
• the draft inspection framework and handbook

Children and young people’s consultation

We are keen to hear from children and young people who have SEND and have set up a dedicated young person’s consultation page. This is where young people can access information that is relevant to them and give their views.

Respond to the consultation

You can submit your response to the consultation by:

• completing our online survey

• completing the easy read version of the survey which you can download from this page.

If you have any difficulties using the survey tool, or accessing the easy read version of the consultation, please email area.send@ofsted.gov.uk with the details.

Other engagement activity

Throughout the duration of the consultation period we are planning to host webinars and online focus groups for parents, carers and those working in the sector.

• Webinar for parents and carers
  • available on-demand until 21 August 2022

• More information about how to register an interest in taking part in focus groups will follow.

• Webinar for education, health and social care professionals. Watch the recording.

watch the webinar