Inspection as a tool for reflection

It was a particularly interesting challenge as both the inspectors and the inspected were well aware of the contradictions and dissonance between the inspection framework, as it is currently written, and the reality of legislation, policy and practice on the ground. Whilst there is welcome reflection from the Ofsted’s Big Listen that the Area SEND framework is to be reviewed because of the level of disconnection and the recognition of the “broken system”, there has been no pause in inspection activity itself and LA and ICB colleagues remain entirely responsible for the good, bad and indifferent in our local system.

But inspection is also a uniquely privileged scenario, where as a DCS, you receive an external view of all the very best examples of the work everyone has been doing, despite those challenges. I was able to spend much more time than usual with my fabulous Parent Carer Forum chair (Jayne, you are a complete marvel!) and heard the detail of the Forum’s work with the region, and nationally, as well as all the things I know they do in Rotherham.