Local areas need to have SEND inspections to make sure they meet the needs of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The assessments are jointly conducted by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to check how local authorities are working in partnership with schools, health services and social care teams to support children and young people with SEND.

During the audit, inspectors will look at how teams are working together and communicating with one another. They'll look to see how well any joint planning is having a positive impact on outcomes for children and young people with SEND in the area.

If you are getting ready for an upcoming SEND inspection as part of your preparations, you need to be aware of how you can navigate the national standards and inspection frameworks specific to SEND.

Read on to unpick the national SEND inspection process and learn how to use our seven-step checklist to showcase your progress and improvements.

What is the current state of the volume and quality of EHCPs across the country?

Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP) will certainly considered in your local area SEND inspection. EHCPs outline any specific health, social, or educational needs. They are contributed to by parents, teachers, health professionals, social workers, and local government representatives.

As of January 2023, there were 517,000 children and teens across the country who had EHCPs. This is a nine percent rise from 2022, and has increased each year since 2010.

However, there are not many examples of what a good EHCP should look like available publicly. Without a clear process for how to gather evidence, local areas may struggle to demonstrate the outcomes of their provision.

Ofsted and CQC findings have identified that 55% of Local Area SEND inspections have resulted in a "Written Statement of Action" (WSOA). SEND inspectors are repeatedly picking up perceived weaknesses and deficits in the SEND offer.

Known weaknesses that come up within SEND inspections

One of the most common weaknesses within all local area SEND inspections occurring between 2016 and 2022 was the "limitations regarding EHCP quality & and consistency."

Inspectors will have a key focus on "progress towards outcomes" that children and young people with SEND are making. Therefore, your ongoing quality assurance processes could be your most important asset to demonstrate your impact and development plans.

Why is the quality of the EHCPS so crucial within a SEND inspection?

There are many references to "poor quality EHCPs" or a "lack of structured quality assurance" in the outcome letters that Ofsted and CQC send to local authorities after an inspection.

The inspectors want to be able to easily identify how the plans are proactively creating positive outcomes for children and young people.

Of course, not all inspection outcome letters are negative with regards to EHCP quality. There are many examples where the inspection has identified positive practices.

Below is a direct quote from a Local Area SEND inspection outcome letter, where an authority had implemented a standardised EHCP QA framework (the Invision360 EHCP QA Tool).

"Leaders have established quality assurance processes for EHC plans and the contributions professionals make to them…..They have ensured that new EHC plans are audited against a quality assurance framework, and this has resulted in EHC plans of better quality that meet statutory requirements. In newer and recently amended EHC plans, children and young people's needs are clearly identified." (Ofsted and CQC Outcome letter. Nov 2022)

What can you do to get ready for a Local Area SEND Inspection, and how can you check the quality of your EHCP reports?

If you are preparing for a Local Area Ofsted and CQC inspection for SEND, you should undertake careful planning and take a comprehensive approach.

It may seem overwhelming, but we have outlined a seven-step process which will help you in your preparations.

Step #1 - Understand the Inspection Frameworks

The first thing you need to do is familiarise yourself with the Ofsted and CQC inspection frameworks specific to SEND.

Taking the time to understand the key areas and criteria against which you will be assessed will give you the best opportunity to make sure that you're documenting the proper evidence.

Step #2 - Know your existing quality assurance process for EHCPs

We mentioned earlier that your quality assurance processes for your EHCPs are essential for any SEND inspection. Ensure you have a complete understanding of your existing QA framework. You need to be confident that your reports illustrate what processes you are taking, what progress is being made, and what impact that progress is having on the child or young person.

Here at Invision360 we developed our digital EHCP QA tool, which is now used by more than 50 local authorities nationally. The tool allows you to clearly illustrate the impact of your provision at the touch of a button. It can be hugely beneficial for your upcoming SEND inspection preparations.

Step #3 – Be prepared to self-evaluate and focus on collecting high-quality evidence  

During your inspection preparations, take the time to conduct a thorough self-evaluation of the quality of your EHCPs. Think critically about where any strengths lay and areas that improvements could be made.

As part of your data collection, you should focus on making the most of any data and metrics that demonstrate any progress. Ideally, your data should focus on outcomes and show the continuous journey of your ongoing improvements.

Step #4 - Demonstrate multidisciplinary practice and a partnership approach to QA

As you prepare for your SEND inspection, keep returning to the inspection frameworks that you researched in Step 1.

EHCPs are based on a collaborative approach, ensure your framework illustrates how you have developed a partnership approach to quality assurance. Ideally, your EHCP reports should feature contributions from education, health and social care professionals, stakeholders (schools/settings) and parents or carers.

Our Invision360 EHCP QA Tool is specifically designed to make the partnership approach to quality assurance very simple. The tool features a variety of prompts, guidance standardised criteria, and in-built moderation to allow you to quickly check that all relevant parties can contribute towards the report.

Step #5 - The 'so-what' question! This is your chance to demonstrate the impact of your quality assurance framework.

Make sure to demonstrate that your improved QA processes are leading to higher quality EHCPs, which result in better outcomes for children and young people.

You want to be able to provide the correct data that demonstrates your improvement journey as well as specific areas that have improved. Illustrate how improved quality of EHCPs has resulted in better outcomes for Children and young people.

Step#6 – Do you have a clear development plan for ongoing EHCP and SEND improvements?

it's important to remember that inspectors aren't just there to see what work has already been done. They want to know about your plans for the future and how you intend to continue moving forward.

We recommend a clear development plan that shows an ongoing commitment, outlining how you plan to respond to your weaknesses and build on strengths.

Step #7 - Stay Informed of any changes in legislation and guidelines related to SEND

It's important to remember that any effective preparation for a forthcoming local area SEND inspection involves collaboration, reflection, and a genuine commitment to continuous improvement. By addressing the key areas outlined in the frameworks and demonstrating a proactive approach, you are proactively improving SEND practice.

Key takeaway: Demonstrating progress and improvement in a SEND Ofsted and CQC local area inspection is fundamental

Demonstrating progress and improvement in a SEND Ofsted and CQC local area inspection is fundamental for ensuring the well-being and positive outcomes of learners with SEND.

It reflects a commitment to quality, inclusivity, and continuous improvement in the provision of education and care for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.