WIREDGOV

Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, yesterday announced plans to strengthen inspection law so schools are assessed on how they support children with special educational needs (SEN) and disabilities.

 

Mr Balls also plans to give greater rights to parents unhappy with their child’s statement of SEN. This will give parents more say over the objectives set for their child.

 

These announcements come as the Government accepts recommendations in reports published today by expert Brian Lamb, in advance of his wider review of the special educational needs system.

 

Continuing a drive to improve services for children with SEN, Mr Balls set out plans to ensure outcomes for these children are a top priority for Ofsted inspectors. Changing the law on school inspection will give parents greater confidence in the importance schools place on supporting children with SEN.

 

The new appeal rights given to parents will help ensure that SEN statements are up to date and an effective way of monitoring the progress of their child. Where parents have had a statement reviewed but not amended by the local authority, they will have a new right of appeal at this stage.

 

Ed Balls said:

 

“The most recent evidence shows that schools are continuing to improve the progress made by children with special educational needs, but more can be done. By making the achievements of children with SEN a top priority for Ofsted inspectors, alongside the extra funding and guidance we are giving schools, we will help to ensure these children make good and continuing progress.

 

“We also need to be sure that children with SEN are set realistic but stretching objectives. If a parent is unhappy with their child’s statement it is right that they should have more powers to appeal the local authority’s decision.”

 

Brian Lamb said:

 

“I welcome the Government’s move to strengthen the focus of school inspections to support a stronger focus on the quality of education for children with special educational needs and disabilities. I’m also pleased to see the Government act on the recommendation to give parents a new right of appeal should a local authority not amend a statement following a review.

 

"My Inquiry has listened to the views of parents, many of whom are happy with the support they have received but others feel let down by the system. In my final report in September 2009 I want to bring together a comprehensive package of measures that will tackle this unacceptable variation.”

 

To ensure schools are ready to meet this strengthened inspection framework, national guidelines have been published to help schools set challenging targets for children with special educational needs. Training for School Improvement Partners is also developing, to ensure they are ready and able to support schools to deliver on the standards of SEN provision that will be expected by Ofsted inspectors.

 

Whilst Ofsted’s new schools inspection framework will include criteria on how well schools support children with SEN and disabilities, the Government is committed to ensuring this remains an inspection priority by embedding in law.

 

More details on these changes will be available following publication of the final Lamb Inquiry report in September 2009. The full Government response to the Lamb Inquiry is expected in Autumn.

 

Editor's Notes
This press notice relates to 'England'

1. A copy of Brian Lamb’s letter and reports to the Secretary of State can be found at: http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/lambinquiry/ . The Secretary of State’s reply is also available on that webpage.

 

2. This report follows a first interim report from the Lamb Inquiry in December 2008, which focused on improving outcomes for children with SEN and led to the announcement of a package of measures in the Children’s Plan Progress Report, including £31m Achievement for All pilots, starting in ten areas this September to develop best practice in raising aspirations and achievement for pupils with SEN and engaging well with their parents.

 

3. A second interim report in April 2009 - SEN Information Review - focused on better information for parents. Both of these reports, together with background on Brian Lamb and his expert advisers, can also be found at: http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/lambinquiry/

 

4. School Improvement Partners are employed by local authorities to support schools to continue to raise standards. Their training and accreditation priorities are set by government.

 

5. To ensure schools are ready to meet this strengthened inspection framework, national guidelines are now available to set challenging targets for children with special educational needs: Progression Guidance 2009–10: Improving data to raise attainment and maximise the progress of learners with special educational needs, learning difficulties and disabilities can be found at http://nationalstrategies.standards.dcsf.gov.uk/node/190123

 

6. Planned expenditure on SEN has increased from £2.8bn in 2001-02 to £5.1bn in 2008-09, with significant additional resources available to schools. At the School Action stage, schools would, for example, offer different learning materials or special equipment or one-to-one tuition. At School Action Plus the school can seek the help of external support services, for example advice from educational psychologists about how to meet a child's individual needs.

Contact Details
Public Enquiries 0870 000 2288, info@dcsf.gsi.gov.uk