Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 22
22
Not Addressed
Introduce mandatory, comprehensive SEND training for all Ofsted inspectors
Recommendation
The Department for Education should introduce mandatory, comprehensive SEND training for all Ofsted inspectors. The success of the new framework depends on inspectors having a deep understanding of SEND, including how to identify, assess, and evaluate inclusive practice. Without this 159 expertise, there is a significant risk that inspections will be inconsistent, fail to identify gaps in provision, and ultimately undermine the objectives of the framework. (Recommendation, Paragraph 120)
Government Response Summary
The government stated Ofsted's new framework focuses on inclusion and highlighted the new SEND inspection framework launched in 2023, with ongoing work to refine it, but did not address the recommendation for mandatory SEND training for all inspectors.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
Furthermore, for the first time Ofsted have set out an explicit focus on inclusion in their new framework, gathering evidence on factors from school culture to assessment of need. The new inspection framework came into effect on 10 November. A new SEND inspection framework launched in January 2023, with all local areas to be inspected by 2027 to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND. This inspection covers the role of the LA and the ICB. Where a local area does not meet its duties, DfE can take action that prioritises children’s needs and supports local areas to bring about rapid improvement. A recent review of the past two years of inspection identified the need for greater family involvement, reduced inspection burden and greater clarity of reporting including making clearer which partner should take forward areas for improvement where appropriate. DfE continues to work with Ofsted/CQC to refine the framework in line with wider SEND reforms.