Area SEND inspection explained - information for parents and carers video transcript

This video transcript is for the for the video on the Kent improvement plan for special educational needs (SEND) page.

[Caption]: Area SEND inspections - Information for parents and carers.

Adam Sproston, His Majesty's inspector, Ofsted says: Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) work together to inspect education, health and care services for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in a local area to make sure they are effective.

Lucy Harte, Children's Services Inspector and Manager, SEND - CQC says: We want to understand what's it's like to be a child or young person with SEND in your local area.

Adam Sproston, His Majesty's inspector, Ofsted says: To help us with this, we would really like to hear from you and your child or children. There are several ways you can do this:

[Caption]: Questionnaire

Lucy Harte, Children's Services Inspector and Manager, SEND - CQC says: When we plan to inspect your area, we will let the relevant authorities and organisations know. They should then send you a letter and a voluntary questionnaire. This might come from your council or your child's school or college or from another service that supports them, You may also hear about the questionnaire from the local parent carer forum.

Adam Sproston, His Majesty's inspector, Ofsted says: The questionnaire is voluntary and can be completed anonymously. Please do complete it if you can. You can give us as little or as much information as you like but anything you share will help us assess the quality of services in your area and decide what other evidence we need to gather.

Lucy Harte, Children's Services Inspector and Manager, SEND - CQC says: There will also be a questionnaire for your child  or children to complete. If necessary, they can can ask you or an adult who works with them to help them complete it.

Adam Sproston, His Majesty's inspector, Ofsted says: The questionnaires are available in a range of different formats  to make them accessible including audio recordings and explanatory videos.

[Caption]: Meetings

Lucy Harte, Children's Services Inspector and Manager, SEND - CQC says: There may also be opportunities to talk to Ofsted and CQC inspectors directly. We will select some children and young people whose experiences we would like to understand more about.

Adam Sproston, His Majesty's inspector, Ofsted says:  We would invite them, their parents and carers, and professionals who provide support for them to speak to the inspectors. We would also visit a selection of schools, colleges and health services.

Lucy Harte, Children's Services Inspector and Manager, SEND - CQC says: Inspectors will also meet with the local parent carer forum (PCF). You can contact your local PCF to  raise issues with inspectors.

[Caption]: What happens after inspection?

Adam Sproston, His Majesty's inspector, Ofsted says: After an inspection, we will publish an inspection report which will clearly set out what we found and our judgements.  the local area will also be asked to publish a plan including any improvements they will seek to make. Both will be publicly available so you will be able to see what we found and what to expect.

Lucy Harte, Children's Services Inspector and Manager, SEND - CQC says: We will return to inspect your local area at least once every 5 years. However, it could be more frequently if we have concerns.

Adam Sproston, His Majesty's inspector, Ofsted says: We will also have meetings with local area leaders in between inspections. We expect those leaders to be regularly engaging with parents like you to maintain an accurate view of what is working well and what could be improved and we'll ask them about that engagement.

Lucy Harte, Children's Services Inspector and Manager, SEND - CQC says: Thank you for watching this video. If you want to learn more about our inspections and how you can let us know about the support your child or children receive, please read our online guidance.

[Caption]: Ofsted raising standards, improving lives.