A new approach to area SEND inspections
By Gemma Raw
Results of the Ofsted and CQC consultation on proposed changes to the inspection of area SEND arrangements are expected soon, with implementation of the changes planned for early 2023.
In June, Ofsted and the Care Qualify Commission (CQC) launched a consultation on proposed changes to the way they inspect local area partnerships to assess how they work together to improve the experiences and outcomes of children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The consultation was not just aimed at the parents and carers of children and young people with SEND, but also at local authorities and clinical commissioning groups, as well as professionals and practitioners, such as social workers.
The consultation closed on 11 September and feedback is currently being analysed. Ofsted and the CQC's strategy for reforming SEND inspections will be informed by the responses received from the families and carers of those with SEND, as well as other stakeholders, such as those working in frontline social work jobs.
Why is the inspection process being reviewed?
The Children and Families Act 2014 contained new legal duties placed on local area partnerships regarding children and young people with SEND. These new duties are outlined in the SEND code of practice, which is accompanied by a guide for social workers.
In May 2016, Ofsted and the CQC introduced a one-off programme of inspections to assess how well local areas were implementing the reforms introduced by the Act.
Now the Department for Education (DfE), with the support of the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), has commissioned Ofsted and the CQC to develop a new area SEND inspection framework to operate from early 2023. The aim is to put more focus on the impact that a local area partnership is having on the lives of children and young people with SEND.
Statutory responsibilities will continue to play an important role in the new framework. However, it will not be enough for local area partnerships to simply meet these statutory responsibilities. They must demonstrate that SEND arrangements are actually improving the experiences and outcomes of the children and young people involved.
Professional guidance for social workers
The charity 4Children has published a guide to working with parents of children with SEND. Aimed at early years practitioners, including those in education and social work roles, it supports reflection on how you work in partnership with those parents, as well as offering suggestions for how to prepare for and have the all-important initial conversations with parents about their child's development. You can download the guide from the British Association of Social Workers (BASW) website here.
Results of the consultation on the proposed changes to the SEND inspection regime will be published here.
