Ofsted to assess how children with SEND are prepared for adulthood
Amrit Virdi
Thursday, February 8, 2024
Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission are set to carry out a series of in depth reviews to address concerns families have about how young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are being prepared for adulthood.
The guidance for the series of thematic visits, which will be carried out between spring and summer 2024, has been published.
The visits will consider all phases of a child with SEND’s transition to adulthood, beginning with the early years and looking at areas including health, work, education.
Arrangements including support delivered by local area partners across education, health and social care will be assessed in line with the SEND code of practice. This code highlights four pathways to adulthood based on community inclusion, health, independent living and employment.
Inspectors will consider topics including:
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How young people with SEND are being supported to achieve their full potential through internships or further education.
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How participation in society is encouraged.
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How children are encouraged to be as healthy as possible.
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What barriers there are impacting young people with SEND integrating into adulthood.
Evidence will be gathered from young people with SEND and their families.
Lee Owston, Ofsted’s national director for education, said: “The current SEND system is not meeting the needs of too many children and their families. It is vital that every child is provided with the support and guidance they need to thrive and live as independently as possible throughout their adult lives.
"I hope that these visits provide valuable insight into how we can improve the experiences of children with SEND as the government develops its SEND and alternative provision improvement plan.”
Findings from the visit will be shared in the autumn.
