Government to change law for special educational needs focus in Ofsted school inspections

Ofsted’s new schools inspection framework will include criteria on how well schools support children with SEN and disabilities. But the Government said it would amend the law as soon as possible so that Ofsted has a legal duty to report on provision for children with SEN and disabilities in schools. Inspectors will also receive training on SEN and disability.

Children’s secretary Ed Balls also said that unsatisfied parents will have a legal right to appeal against their child’s statement for special educational needs – which sets out what special needs a child has and what help they need - to give them more say about objectives set.

The Department for Children, Schools and Families said this will help ensure that SEN statements are up to date and are an effective way of monitoring a child’s progress.

The new rights for parents will mean that parents can appeal to the SEN tribunal in cases where the local authority does not amend a statement following an annual or interim review.

In a letter to Mr Balls, Sir Brian wrote, ‘My belief is that the education system as a whole is insufficiently focused on objectives and outcomes for disabled children and children with SEN. This is a long-standing and deep-seated cultural problem that has its origins in an era before all children were entitled to education in our schools.’

He added that parents’ experiences varied widely and that during the inquiry he had met some of the ‘happiest parents in the land and some of the angriest.’ He said there needed to be ‘significant improvements’ in the way statements are written so that they are more focused on objectives and outcomes for children.

Accepting all of Sir Brian’s recommendations Mr Balls said, ‘The most recent evidence shows that schools are continuing to improve the progress made by children with special educational needs, but more can be done. By making the achievements of children with SEN a top priority for Ofsted inspectors, alongside the extra funding and guidance we are giving schools, we will help to ensure these children make good and continuing progress.’

National Strategies has published guidelines on good practice in drawing up statements.
The final Lamb Inquiry report will be published next month with a Government response expected in the autumn.