27 February 2026 weekly update

Dear Colleagues,

Kent SEND Local Area Ofsted Inspection: what schools and professionals need to know

The Kent SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) Local Area is due an inspection. This inspection looks at how effectively education, health and care services work together to support children and young people with SEND and their families.

For schools and professionals, this is an opportunity to confidently demonstrate the inclusive practice already taking place across Kent, reflect honestly on challenges and show how we work together to improve outcomes.

How we are preparing across schools and services

Preparation has been collaborative and system-wide, with schools, settings, health and local authority colleagues working together.

1. Listening to families and young people
Feedback from parents, carers and young people has been gathered through surveys, forums and day-to-day interactions. Schools play a key role in capturing these voices and ensuring that lived experience informs practice and improvement.

2. Reviewing evidence and practice
Schools and professionals have been supporting the review of evidence that shows how SEND arrangements work in practice, including:

• Identification of need and graduated response
• EHCP quality, timeliness and impact
• Inclusive classroom practice and reasonable adjustments
• Multi-agency working and communication
• Progress and outcomes for children and young people with SEND
• This evidence helps demonstrate not just what we do, but how it improves experiences and outcomes.

3. Staff readiness and confidence
Briefings and guidance have been shared to support staff in understanding the local area inspection framework. Staff should feel confident to talk about:

• Their role in supporting children and young people with SEND
• How decisions are made and reviewed
• How impact is monitored and adjusted over time
• Examples of positive multi agency working.

Inspectors are interested in authentic practice - there is no expectation for scripted answers.

4. Sharing and celebrating good practice
Schools and professionals are identifying examples of effective inclusive practice, early intervention and partnership working. These real-life examples help illustrate how support is delivered on the ground and the difference it makes to children and families.

This preparation is not about presenting a perfect picture, but about being open, reflective and improvement-focused.

What to expect during the inspection

During the inspection, Ofsted will focus on how well the local area works as a system and how that is experienced by families.

• Review of documentation
  Inspectors may review policies, procedures and data at a local area level, as well as information that demonstrates how schools and services contribute to SEND arrangements.

• Conversations with schools and professionals
  Inspectors may speak with:
  • SENCOs, teachers, and school leaders
  • Health and social care practitioners
  • Other professionals involved in SEND pathways
  • Discussions are likely to focus on how children are identified, supported and reviewed, and how agencies work together around individual children.

• Case sampling and visits
  Inspectors may look at individual case examples to understand:
  • How needs were identified
  • How support was planned and delivered
  • How progress and outcomes are monitored
  • How transitions are supported
  • Focus on partnership working.

A strong emphasis will be placed on how well education, health and care partners collaborate. Inspectors will be looking for clear communication, shared responsibility and a joined-up experience for families.

For more regular update please follow SEND Partnership Board and Pathways for All on LinkedIn.

Please find some links you may find useful:

• Area SEND inspections framework and handbook - GOV.UK
• KCC SEND strategies and policies

Best wishes

Sophie Dann
Assistant Director SEN Strategy and Quality Assurance