Guidance

Area SEND: framework and handbook

This framework and handbook document sets out Ofsted’s inspection principles, guidance and the main judgements that inspectors make when inspecting area SEND.

From:
Ofsted and Care Quality Commission
Published
29 November 2022
Last updated
1411 AprilDecember 2023 — See all updates

Applies to England

Documents

Area SEND inspections: framework and handbook

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Area SEND person-level data guidance and template

ODS, 14.8 KB

This file is in an OpenDocument format

Summary of changes

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Details

The first part of the document is the area SEND inspection framework, which sets out the purposes and principles of inspection and its statutory basis, along with the inspection approach, model, frequency and timing.

The second part of the document is the inspection handbook. This handbook is primarily a guide for inspectors on how to carry out area SEND inspections.

We ran a consultation on the framework and draft handbook in summer 2022. We also ran a separate consultation for children and young people.

See our commentary announcing the consultation outcome and new area SEND framework and handbook

Read our guides for parents, carers, children and young people about inspections of local services for children and young people with SEND.SEND.

Published 29 November 2022
Last updated 1411 AprilDecember 2023 + show all updates

  1. We are in the process of updating this handbook to reflect the changes mentioned in our statement published on 7 December.

  2. Updated to clarify the number of days before fieldwork begins and some processes on what happens after inspection.

  3. Added clarification to how local area partnerships should update their strategic plans and produce a priority action plan (area SEND).