The inspectorate's annual report for 2017/18 highlights a series of concerns about the quality of support for children with SEND.
It warns that education, health and care (EHC) plans for children with SEND are too variable, adding that many areas offer sub-standard provision.
Almost half (30) of the 68 local areas inspected for SEND provision were asked by Ofsted to provide a written statement of action due to concerns raised by inspectors.
This patchy service is widening the gap in terms of good life chances between children with SEND and their peers, the report warns.
The report adds that in 2018 there were 2,060 children with an EHC plan, or a statement of special need which preceded the plans, who were awaiting provision - almost three times more than in 2010.
"One child with SEND not receiving the help they need is disturbing enough, but thousands is a national scandal," Ofsted chief inspector Amanda Spielman said.
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