What do Ofsted Look for when Inspecting for SEND Provision and Leadership?

New statistics from the Department for Education (DfE) revealed nearly 1.2 million pupils in England in 2023 receive support for their special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) without an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) - an increase of 4.7% from 2022.

Furthermore, the total number of children with an EHCP has risen by 9.5% to 517,000.

Despite the demand for SEND growing, many schools face cuts in both resources and budgets, whilst still needing to meet their statutory obligations and pass their Ofsted inspection.

So how can your school or Trust ensure you are fulfilling your responsibilities to meet your pupils’ SEND needs while staying prepared for when Ofsted come knocking at your door?

During the session we will be covering the following:

• What are schools' responsibilities and requirements for meeting children's needs?
• What do we mean by a whole-school approach to SEND?
• How can schools work effectively with their community?

Let us introduce you to this week's professional speaker

Rik Chilvers

Rik is a Safeguarding Consultant and the SEND Lead at Judicium. With experience of primary and secondary education, he brings to the team a detailed understanding of the cross-cutting nature of SEND and safeguarding, effective partnership working and management of resources.

While working as a primary school teacher, Rik completed a master’s degree in psychology of education. He then moved into secondary schools where he worked as a SENDCO, Senior Mental Health Lead and an Assistant Principal. Rik has played a central role in safeguarding and pastoral teams, championing a holistic approach to supporting children and their families. He developed whole-school policies and systems, led on best practice and has overseen systemic change including establishing a SEND department in a new secondary academy.