What we’re working on
AREA SEND INSPECTION
What is an Area SEND Inspection?
The services across South Gloucestershire are due to have an Area SEND Inspection, but we do not know the date for this as the inspections happen with no prior warning.
In Spring 2023 a new inspection framework was brought in to specifically look at the local SEND system. These inspections are carried out by OFSTED and the CQC in the same way, but with a focus on SEND provisions. The reason for the inspections is so that inspectors can find out how support is working for children and young people aged 0-25 years with SEND in the local area.
Overview
The services across the areas of Education, Health and Social Care in South Gloucestershire are due to have an Area SEND Inspection. As part of the inspection, there will be a survey that you can take part in to have your say on the local SEND services – the voice of families in our community will be a crucial part of the inspection and will be used to decide what areas the inspectors look at.
What will happen?
Notification
The Local Authority and SGPC are notified of the inspection on the first day.
Week 1
Preparation
Parent carers give their views, via an online questionnaire.
Week 2
Gathering Evidence
SGPC meet with inspectors, who decide key lines of enquiry based on the information provided.
Week 3
Inspection Report
Inspectors meet with the Local Authority and visit a variety of settings.
Outcome
The outcome from the inspection will only be published once the report has been finalised. The average time until a report is published is around two months. This will depend on whether any queries are submitted to the inspectors regarding their findings.
How you can get involved
The only people able to say how SEND services are working across South Gloucestershire are those who experience it every day! When the inspection starts in South Gloucestershire, OFSTED and the CQC will want to hear your feedback, which they will use to direct their areas of enquiry for the inspection.
Three questionnaires will be sent out on Day 1 of the Inspection. They will be available for: children with SEND (over 11 years), parent/carers of children with SEND and practitioners working with children with SEND across education, health and social care. The questionnaires are anonymous and will be available to complete online or in paper form. You may receive these from:
The Council
Your child’s school or college
Or from another service that supports your child(ren).
There will also be audio recordings and explanatory videos available to help complete the questionnaire.
See below for the latest updates
