Ofsted and Care Quality Commission (CQC) will visit local areas to help them improve their SEND services following the disruption caused by COVID-19.

The visits - which will not replace the current inspection cycle - will help give insights into how the SEND system is working and will share best practice.

Chief inspector Amanda Spielman said: 'There is no doubt that children and young people with SEND and their families have been affected significantly by the COVID-19 pandemic.

'Although many hard-working professionals and organisations have responded admirably by finding innovative ways to support children and families, we must not lose sight of the wide-ranging disruption to essential support and services still faced by many.

'Our joint visits to local areas with CQC will be collaborative and supportive, designed to support the whole SEND system.'