Decision details

1.

Title of Item/Report

Local Area Special Educational Needs, Disabilities and Alternative Provision OFSTED Inspection (ASEND)

2.

Record of the Decision

Cabinet considered a report relating to a recent inspection. 

It was explained that Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission had undertaken a joint Area SEND inspection between 4 and 22 May 2026, examining arrangements across the Council, the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board and wider partners. Inspectors concluded that local arrangements lead to inconsistent experiences and outcomes for children and young people with SEND, while also recognising a number of strengths and progress since the previous inspection.

Four areas for improvement were identified:

-       transitions;

-       the quality of Education, Health and Care Plans;

-       consistency of SEND support and inclusion in schools; and

-       waiting times for neurodevelopmental assessment and community paediatric services.

A multi-agency improvement plan had been developed and was due to be submitted to the Department for Education by 30 September 2026, with subsequent monitoring by the DfE and NHS England.

RESOLVED that:-

1. the findings of the joint Area SEND Inspection undertaken in May 2026 be noted.

2. the requirement to submit the final improvement plan to the Department for Education by 30 September 2026 be noted.

3. It be noted that progress against the improvement plan would be monitored through regular Department for Education and NHS England review meetings and reported through existing governance arrangements.

3.

Reasons for the Decision

The inspection findings are of strategic significance to the Council and its partners and require a coordinated improvement response across education, health and care.

4.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

None

5.

Declared (Cabinet Member) Conflicts of Interest

None

6.

Details of any Dispensations

None

7.

Date and Time by which Call In must be executed

Not applicable, information/report for noting only.