Schools Struggle with 'Biggest Issue' - Ofsted Findings

Challenges in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (Send)

Send is the biggest issue for schools in England, according to Ofsted's chief inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver. The high costs and poor outcomes associated with the Send system create a "lose-lose situation" for educational institutions.

Increasing Number of Send Children

Government data for the 2023/24 academic year revealed a significant rise in the number of children with Send, reaching over 1.6 million, which is an increase of 101,000 from the previous year.

Sir Martyn emphasized the importance of supporting the government's efforts to cater to Send children. In response, the Department for Education announced £740m in funding to expand the availability of Send places in mainstream schools.

Inclusive Education Initiatives

Sir Martyn expressed the need to encourage schools to be more inclusive and to recognize those that are successfully accommodating Send pupils. The upcoming report card inspection system aims to acknowledge schools' efforts in fostering inclusivity for Send children within mainstream education.

Annual Safeguarding Review

Discussing the annual review of safeguarding in schools, Sir Martyn suggested that safeguarding assessments should be distinct from overall inspections, as they are not evaluative in nature. However, he highlighted the substantial costs associated with conducting annual Ofsted visits for all schools.

While acknowledging the importance of safeguarding, Sir Martyn emphasized that the needs of Send children should take precedence due to their significance in the education system.

Local Area Partnerships and Inspections

Ofsted also evaluates local area partnerships between schools and local authorities to assess their collaboration in enhancing the experiences and outcomes of Send children. Yvette Stanley, Ofsted's national director for regulation and social care, stressed the importance of cohesive efforts to address systemic issues affecting Send education.

Improving Systemic Failings

Sir Martyn proposed the introduction of area report cards focusing on education, health, care, and leadership to identify and rectify systemic shortcomings. By scrutinizing the collective performance of schools and local authorities, these assessments aim to enhance the overall support for Send children.

Conclusion

Addressing the challenges surrounding Send in schools requires a comprehensive approach that prioritizes inclusivity, effective partnerships, and targeted interventions. By recognizing the complexities of Send education and fostering collaborative efforts, educational institutions can better support the diverse needs of all students.