Ofsted says particular academic wants 'largest subject' for faculties

Ofsted's chief inspector has stated that particular academic wants and disabilities (SEND) is the “biggest issue” affecting faculties in England.

Sir Martin Oliver advised the Education Committee that the excessive prices and poor outcomes of the SEND system represented a “lose-lose situation”.

Government figures for the 2023/24 educational 12 months confirmed that greater than 1.6 million youngsters took SEND, a rise of 101,000 from 2023.

Sir Martin stated the inspectorate had an obligation to assist the Government in its plans to ship youngsters again.

In December, the Department for Education (DfE) £740 million funding introduced To enhance the variety of locations accessible for pupils in mainstream faculties.

“I think we can direct schools to be more inclusive and reward those who work harder,” Sir Martin advised MPs.

He stated that the brand new report card inspection system will likely be launched after September Eliminate one-word choices Last 12 months – the work will likely be “recognised” for the work faculties have achieved to be as inclusive as attainable for the rising variety of SEND pupils in mainstream training.

The one-word choices have been dropped following the demise of headteacher Ruth Perry, who took her personal life following an Ofsted inspection which downgraded her faculty to “inadequate” as a result of safeguarding considerations.

It was re-rated as “Good” shortly thereafter.

The DfE has beforehand stated it desires to think about introducing an annual assessment of safeguarding in faculties.

Sir Martin advised MPs that safeguarding needs to be separated from the remainder of the inspection course of as a result of it’s “not a decision”.

But he stated Ofsted's annual visits to every faculty would value £45 million a 12 months.

“It's really expensive, and [with] Strengthening public finances I think it is right that we ask ourselves, 'Is this the best spend of money?'

“If you requested me now, 'Do you assume the security of kids in faculties is a burning bush?' My reply can be no.

“We don't see safety in schools as the biggest issue. I would say that, by far, the needs of SEND children are a far greater need.”

Ofsted additionally inspects native space partnerships between faculties and native authorities to see how effectively they work collectively to enhance the experiences and outcomes of SEND youngsters.

Yvette Stanley, Ofsted's nationwide director of regulation and social care, stated there was a have to “connect the dots” to keep away from conditions the place particular person faculties have been glorious however native authorities weren’t making progress.

MPs have been advised Ofsted accomplished 38 sector-wide inspections on SEND final 12 months, discovering 12 councils failing, 16 inconsistent and 12 constructive.

Sir Martin stated the sector report playing cards, specializing in training, well being, care and management, would assist root out systemic failings.