Delay launch of new SEND inspection framework say children's services leaders

In its response to an Ofsted consultation on a new SEND area inspection framework, the ADCS raised concerns that the new inspection regime “will rapidly date” because it is based on government reforms to SEND services and alternative provision (AP), which are still subject to consultation and could change. 

“The draft framework has been informed by a recent green paper outlining the government’s plans to reform SEND and AP, yet these plans were presented as preliminary and designed to generate discussion,” the response states.

“The health, children’s social care, education and SEND systems are being reformed and the shape and scope of many of these reforms are still to be determined; we await the outcome of a public consultation about the plans contained within the SEND and AP green paper.”

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The association recommends that a programme of “thematic visits” could be used to fill the gap between the end of the old framework – later this year – and the finalisation and introduction of the new one "to support learning in the system and to inform ongoing reforms".

The new draft framework, published in June, focuses on the experiences and outcomes of children and young people with SEND, including those in AP. Under it, local authorities would be evaluated on how they commission, use and oversee such settings. It also introduces an ongoing cycle of inspections and three distinct inspection outcomes; engagement meetings in all areas; and strengthening Ofsted’s response where there are concerns through monitoring inspections.

Under the new framework, inspection teams will include inspectors from education, health and care “so that there can be a deeper understanding of how effective joint working is in a specific area”, the document adds.

In its response, the ADCS welcomed the proposed changes to the make-up of inspection teams which it said “could support a greater shift towards collective responsibility”. It added that publication of inspection judgments on the Care Quality Commission website, alongside Ofsted’s, “would send a similar signal”.

However, it was critical of the three proposed outcome judgments under the new framework, which it said could affect parental confidence and the morale of the workforce. In particular, it said the middle judgment of “inconsistent experiences” was “overly negative in its framing”.

“This is a highly complex area of work; a narrative judgment is preferable as it can draw out strengths in local services, systems and partnerships as well as weaknesses or challenges,” it adds.

“Overall, ADCS members felt that a strengthened focus on the role of schools and education settings is needed within the framework, whilst local authorities develop education, health and care plans, education settings are largely the mechanism through which support is delivered.”

Published in March, the SEND and AP green paper creates new national standards across education, health and care and a legal duty on councils to introduce “local inclusion plans” across early years, schools and post-16 education with health and care services are included in the measures, which builds on the schools white paper also published in March.