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How Ofsted inspects SEND provision

Understand how Ofsted will inspect your school's SEND provision. Doing so won't just prepare you for inspection, but also inform your strategic plans and how you monitor and challenge provision.

Last reviewed on 26 September 2024See updates
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 4835
Contents
  1. Understand how the inspection framework applies to SEND provision
  2. Know what inspectors will look for
  3. Know how inspectors will gather evidence
  4. How inspectors assess outcomes

Understand how the inspection framework applies to SEND provision

All parts of the education inspection framework (EIF) apply to:

  • State-funded and non-maintained special schools
  • Mainstream schools' SEND provision

In addition to the overall framework, there are some specific factors that inspectors will take into account regarding your school's SEND provision, which we cover below. 

Ofsted doesn't give separate graded judgements specifically on a school's SEND provision. Instead, evidence related to SEND provision is used to inform other judgements. 

See paragraphs 281 to 287 of the School Inspection Handbook for details on SEND provision.

Know what inspectors will look for

Is ambitious for all pupils with SEND Identifies, assesses and meets the needs of pupils with SEND, including when they are receiving remote education Develops and adapts the curriculum so that it is coherently sequenced to all pupils' needs, starting points and aspirations for the future Successfully involves parents, carers and other professionals/specialist services (as necessary)