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How Ofsted inspects SEND provision

Understand how Ofsted will inspect your school's SEND provision as part of the 'inclusion' evaluation area, so you can feel confident when your school gets the call. Learn more about your meeting with inspectors and what to expect.

Last reviewed on 25 March 2026See updates
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 4835
Contents
  1. SEND is covered in the inclusion evaluation area
  2. Your SEND provision also impacts other evaluation areas
  3. SEND inspection activities 
  4. How you'll be graded
  5. Next steps

SEND is covered in the inclusion evaluation area

Inclusion is a new evaluation area under the 2025 inspection framework.

It considers how well your school identifies and supports pupils who face barriers to their education and wellbeing, including pupils:

  • Receiving special educational needs (SEN) support
  • With a disability
  • With an education, health and care (EHC) plan

If your school doesn't have many (or any) pupils who fall into these categories, inspectors will consider your school's process for identifying their needs, and what measures your school has in place to support pupils with SEND on your roll in the future.

Inclusion also covers a wider range of pupils, including socioeconomically disadvantaged pupils and those known to children's social care.

See our article on how Ofsted inspects inclusion for full details