Agenda item

Ben Dunne provided Schools Forum members with an overview of the Local Area SEND Monitoring Inspection undertaken between 9 and 11 March 2026.

The inspection involved two Ofsted inspectors and one CQC inspector, supported by extensive pre-inspection activity.

Inspectors reviewed over 75 documents, held 17 meetings, engaged with more than 80 professionals, young people and parents/carers, and focused on progress against the six priority areas identified following the February 2024 SEND inspection.

Members were advised that inspectors found the local area had taken effective action across all six priority areas. Positive outcomes highlighted included earlier identification and support for children and young people with SEND, reduced waiting times in some services, the introduction of a "support while waiting" offer, stronger preparation for adulthood planning, improved inclusion of young people's voices in Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), and increased community-based support.

It was acknowledged, however, that improvements were not yet being experienced consistently by all families.

The presentation outlined progress and remaining challenges across each of the six priority areas:

SEND Strategy and Governance

• Stronger governance arrangements had been established, supported by independent oversight through the SEND Improvement and Assurance Board.
• Performance information was being used more effectively to inform decision-making.
• The SEND Strategy was being co-produced and regularly monitored.
• Challenges remained around communication with parents and carers, consistency of co-production arrangements, and gaps in some specialist provision.

Early Identification

• Improvements included the redesign and expansion of the Educational Psychology Service, stronger multi-agency working, enhanced health visiting services and greater use of evidence-based screening tools.
• Challenges continued around long waiting times within neurodevelopmental pathways and access to specialist expertise in some settings.

Support While Waiting

• A range of new support services had been introduced, including the Neurodevelopmental Hub, parent programmes and targeted health interventions.
• Whilst support had improved, waiting times for ADHD and autism assessments remained significant and some families continued to report feeling unsupported during extended waiting periods.

Preparation for Adulthood

• Members heard that clearer transition pathways, stronger planning from Year 9 onwards, and improved tracking arrangements had been implemented.
• Areas requiring further development included improving the quality of preparation for adulthood within older EHCPs, increasing focus on younger children, and addressing limitations in local post-19 provision.

Transitions (0-25)

• Progress had been made in strengthening transition arrangements across education, health and care services, including improved information sharing and guidance for parents and carers.
• However, experiences remained inconsistent for some families, and placement pressures continued pending completion of the SEND Sufficiency Strategy.

Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)

• The overall quality of EHCPs had improved, supported by increased staffing capacity, revised templates and strengthened quality assurance processes.
• Nevertheless, annual review backlogs remained significant, timeliness continued to be inconsistent, and some older plans required updating to improve clarity and preparation for adulthood outcomes.

Looking ahead, Ben advised that the local area would continue its improvement journey through the SEND Reforms Plan and a new three-year strategic delivery plan. Key priorities would include early intervention, inclusive mainstream education, financial sustainability, strong governance and partnership working. Members were informed that a further monitoring inspection was expected in approximately 18 months.

It was agreed:

1. That the Schools Forum note the positive outcome of the SEND Monitoring Inspection and the ongoing programme of improvement across the local area SEND system.

2. That Ben be thanked for the presentation