{"id":75560,"date":"2026-08-25T13:38:01","date_gmt":"2026-08-25T12:38:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/children-families-education\/?page_id=75560"},"modified":"2026-10-26T11:10:21","modified_gmt":"2026-10-26T11:10:21","slug":"ofsted-and-cqc-local-area-inspections","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/children-families-education\/send-local-offer\/send-improvement\/ofsted-and-cqc-local-area-inspections\/","title":{"rendered":"Ofsted and CQC Local Area SEND Partnership Inspections"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education) and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspect how local areas work together to support children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2026 Inspection<\/strong> <strong>updates<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>26 October 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The inspection is now complete. We anticipate the outcome will be published in December.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>13 October 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The inspectors ran surveys to hear from children and young people with SEND, their parents and carers, and practitioners across the Devon Local Area. The surveys ran from Monday 5 October 2026 to 9am on Tuesday 13 October. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These inspections look at how effectively education, health and care services work together to identify needs, provide support and improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND aged 0 to 25. The inspectors focus on the experiences and outcomes of children, young people and their families, and on how well local partners work together to improve services. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The inspection covers the whole Local Area Partnership, including the local authority, health services and other partners responsible for planning, commissioning and delivering SEND services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Devon&#8217;s last Joint Local Area SEND Inspection under the previous framework took place in 2018.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You can <a href=\"https:\/\/files.ofsted.gov.uk\/v1\/file\/50054047\" rel=\"noopener\">read the outcome letter from the 2018 inspection on the Ofsted site<\/a> (PDF)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A monitoring visit took place in 2022. You can <a href=\"https:\/\/files.ofsted.gov.uk\/v1\/file\/50188140\" rel=\"noopener\">read the outcome of that visit on the Ofsted site<\/a> (PDF).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The current Area SEND Inspection Framework<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 2023, Ofsted and the CQC introduced a new Area SEND Inspection Framework. The framework was reviewed following feedback gathered through Ofsted&#8217;s Big Listen and updated in June 2025. This is the framework that was used for the 2026 SEND inspection in Devon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Area SEND inspection explained - information for parents and carers\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/DC5avluj2AY?feature=oembed&#038;rel=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The framework includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>full area SEND inspections<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>monitoring inspections (where required)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>annual engagement meetings<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>area SEND thematic visits<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The inspection findings and outcomes will be published.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Inspection findings are published and may include recommendations to help local area partnerships further improve services and support for children and young people with SEND.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n<div class=\"accordion-tabs-block\"><ul class=\"accordion\" id=\"block_acf-block-6adf35193664f\" data-responsive-accordion-tabs=\"accordion medium-accordion large-accordion\" data-allow-all-closed=\"true\" data-multi-expand=\"true\"><li id=\"item-6adf35193664f-0\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\"><span>When did Devon&#8217;s 2026 Local Area SEND Inspection take place?<\/span><\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content><p>The inspection started on Monday 5 October 2026 and ran until Friday 23 October.<\/p>\n<p>The inspection starts when Ofsted and the CQC formally notify the Local Area Partnership. This notification is usually made on a Monday morning. The inspection process then takes place over the following three weeks.<\/p>\n<p>As soon as we received notification, we:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>informed parents and carers<\/li>\n<li>informed schools, colleges and settings<\/li>\n<li>informed professionals and partner organisations<\/li>\n<li>published information about the inspection on this page<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/li><li id=\"item-6adf35193664f-1\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\"><span>What did the inspectors look at?<\/span><\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content><p>Inspectors considered how well local services work together to support children and young people with SEND.<\/p>\n<p>They looked at:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>children&#8217;s and young people&#8217;s experiences of support and services<\/li>\n<li>the outcomes children and young people achieve<\/li>\n<li>whether support is provided at the right time<\/li>\n<li>how effectively education, health and care services work together<\/li>\n<li>how well children, young people and families are listened to and involved in decisions<\/li>\n<li>how well children and young people are prepared for adulthood<\/li>\n<li>whether children and young people feel included in their communities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Inspectors also considered whether local partners are meeting their legal responsibilities and taking action to improve services where needed.<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/area-sendframework-and-handbook\/area-send-inspections-framework-and-handbook\" rel=\"noopener\">new inspection handbook<\/a> explains in more detail how this is considered during inspections.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li id=\"item-6adf35193664f-2\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\"><span>How were children, young people, parents and carers be involved?<\/span><\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content><p>Children, young people, parents and carers play an important role in the inspection process.<\/p>\n<h3>Week one<\/h3>\n<p>During the first week, inspectors gather information from the Local Area Partnership and invite feedback from children, young people and families.<\/p>\n<p>Ofsted and the CQC will provide surveys for:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>children and young people with SEND<\/li>\n<li>parents and carers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The surveys ask about people&#8217;s experiences of SEND services and support in Devon.<\/p>\n<p>The surveys ran from Monday 5 October to 9am on Tuesday 13 October.<\/p>\n<h3>Week two<\/h3>\n<p>Inspectors review the information they have received and plan their inspection activities.<\/p>\n<p>They may arrange discussions with stakeholder groups and representatives from across education, health, social care and the voluntary sector.<\/p>\n<h4>Tracking meetings<\/h4>\n<p>Inspectors select a small number of children and young people to help them understand individual experiences in more detail.<\/p>\n<p>These are known as &#8220;tracking meetings&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>If your child or young person is selected, a professional will contact you to explain the process and ask whether you would like to take part.<\/p>\n<p>This gives inspectors an opportunity to hear directly about your experiences and the support your child or young person receives.<\/p>\n<h3>Week three<\/h3>\n<p>Inspectors visit Devon and meet with a range of people, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>children and young people with SEND<\/li>\n<li>parents and carers<\/li>\n<li>education, health and care professionals<\/li>\n<li>leaders from partner organisations<\/li>\n<li>representatives from the Parent Carer Forum<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These discussions help inspectors understand what is working well and where improvements may still be needed.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li id=\"item-6adf35193664f-3\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\"><span>What happens after the inspection?<\/span><\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content><p>Following the inspection, Ofsted and the CQC will publish a report. The report will identify one of three outcomes.<\/p>\n<h3>Outcome one<\/h3>\n<p>The local area partnership\u2019s SEND arrangements typically lead to positive experiences and outcomes for children and young people with SEND. The local area partnership is taking action where improvements are needed.<\/p>\n<p>What happens next:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>annual engagement meetings<\/li>\n<li>A further full inspection, usually within five years<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Outcome two<\/h3>\n<p>The local area partnership\u2019s arrangements lead to inconsistent experiences and outcomes for children and young people with SEND. The local area partnership must work jointly to make improvements.<\/p>\n<p>What happens next:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>annual engagement meetings<\/li>\n<li>a further full inspection, usually within three years<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Outcome three<\/h3>\n<p>There are widespread and\/or systemic failings leading to significant concerns about the experiences and outcomes of children and young people with SEND, which the local area partnership must address urgently.<\/p>\n<p>What happens next:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>annual engagement meetings<\/li>\n<li>submission of priority action plan<\/li>\n<li>monitoring inspection usually within 18 months<\/li>\n<li>a further full inspection, usually within three years<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/li><li id=\"item-6adf35193664f-4\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\"><span>When will the outcome of the inspection be published?<\/span><\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content><p>We expect Ofsted and the CQC to publish the outcome of the inspection in December 2026. Once published, we will include a link to the outcome on this page.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li id=\"item-6adf35193664f-5\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\"><span>Further information<\/span><\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content><h3>Information for young people about the SEND Inspections<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/devoncc.sharepoint.com\/sites\/PublicDocs\/Education\/Children\/Forms\/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2FPublicDocs%2FEducation%2FChildren%2FSEND%2FChampions%20for%20Change%20and%20Network%20for%20Change%2FNetwork%20for%20change%2FSEND%20Inspection%20%2D%20Info%20for%20Young%20People%2Epdf&amp;parent=%2Fsites%2FPublicDocs%2FEducation%2FChildren%2FSEND%2FChampions%20for%20Change%20and%20Network%20for%20Change%2FNetwork%20for%20change&amp;p=true&amp;ct=1791463829314&amp;or=Outlook%2DBody&amp;cid=B7DC90D4%2DEAFD%2D4C41%2D805F%2D1B3F0AC8165B&amp;ga=1&amp;LOF=1\" rel=\"noopener\">What should you know about SEND inspections?<\/a> (PDF) Our Network for Change have created a guide for children and young people about Devon&#8217;s 2026 inspection.<\/li>\n<li><a title=\"Opens in the same window linking to GOV.UK Guidance Area SEND inspections: information for children and young people\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/local-area-send-inspections-information-for-families\/area-send-inspections-information-for-children-and-young-people\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">Area SEND inspections: information for children and young people<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a title=\"Easy Read Information about the area SEND inspection of your local area: for children and young people\" href=\"https:\/\/assets.publishing.service.gov.uk\/media\/63ecda46e90e077bb472a7ce\/Information_for_Children_and_Young_People_Ofsted_Easy_Read_Web_Accessible.pdf\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">Easy Read guide to area SEND inspections<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Information for parents and carers<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a title=\"Opens in the same window linking to Guidance Area SEND inspections: information for parents and carers\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/local-area-send-inspections-information-for-families\/area-send-inspections-information-for-parents-and-carers\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">Area SEND inspections: information for parents and carers<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a title=\"Opens in the same window linking to Area SEND inspections: information for parents and carers\" href=\"https:\/\/assets.publishing.service.gov.uk\/media\/64f5f7cba78c5f000dc6f4f3\/Information_for_Parent_Carers_Ofsted_Easy_Read_Web_Accessible.pdf\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">Easy Read guide for parents and carers<\/a>\u00a0(PDF, 1.73 MB)<\/li>\n<li><a title=\"Opens in the same window linking to information for families on the new Local Area SEND Inspections from Gov.uk\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/local-area-send-inspections-information-for-families\/joint-inspections-of-local-area-send-provision\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">Information for families about SEND inspections<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a title=\"Opens in the same window linking to a BSL signed video about the new inspections\" href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/M_CHT3wcJ-0\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">A British Sign Language (BSL) signed video about inspections is available here<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>SEND national guidance<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a title=\"Opens in the same window to GOV.UK information about SEND code of practice 0 to 25 years\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/send-code-of-practice-0-to-25\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">SEND Code of Practice 0 to 25 years<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a title=\"A guide for parents and carers on the support system for children and young people with SEND\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/send-guide-for-parents-and-carers\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">SEND guide for parents and carers<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a title=\"Opens in the same window linking to GOV.UK website for a SEND Guide for schools and alternative provision settings\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/send-guide-for-schools-and-alternative-provision-settings\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">SEND guide for schools (and alternative provision) settings<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a title=\"Opens in the same window linking to GOV.UK website for a SEND Guide for early years settings\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/send-guide-for-early-years-settings\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">SEND guide for early years settings<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a title=\"Opens in the same window linking to GOV.UK website and Guidance SEND Guide for health professionals \" href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/send-guide-for-health-professionals\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">SEND guide for health professionals<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a title=\"Opens in the same window to GOV.UK information on SEND Guide for social care professionals\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/send-guide-for-social-care-professionals\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">SEND guide for social care practitioners <\/a><\/li>\n<li><a title=\"Opens in the same window linking to GOV.UK for a SEND Guide for further education providers\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/send-guide-for-further-education-providers\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">SEND guide for further education providers<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What to expect when there is a SEND Area Inspection in Devon.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2988,"featured_media":0,"parent":74647,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-75560","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/children-families-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/75560","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/children-families-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/children-families-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/children-families-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2988"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/children-families-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=75560"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/children-families-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/75560\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":76503,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/children-families-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/75560\/revisions\/76503"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/children-families-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/74647"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/children-families-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=75560"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}