Martin Ford 09 November 2020

Ofsted warns of COVID impact on SEND support

The pandemic has ‘seriously affected’ support for special educational needs an disabilities (SEND), according to Ofsted.

Ofsted made 900 visits to education and social care providers during September and October.

Chief inspector Amanda Spielman said: ‘Across all age groups, children with SEND were seriously affected in both their care and education, as the services that families relied on, particularly speech and language services, were unavailable.’

The report said local authorities had found government guidance to be 'frustrating at times due to it being ever-changing and, at times, overwhelming’.

Elsewhere in the sector, there were concerns about children entering care in an unplanned way, disruption to placements and access to mental health services worsening under COVID-19 restrictions.

In addition, pressures on family courts have ‘significantly impacted’ councils’ ability to issue care proceedings and move children out of care.

The report also found ‘senior leaders across the board are working more intensively than ever and showing remarkable resilience’ despite airing concerns about finances.

Ms Spielman continued: ‘The availability of support and services for children with SEND is a perennial issue, as is sufficiency in the care system.

‘Added to that, the pandemic has led to backlogs in the family courts, which can leave children at risk for longer or, conversely, slow them down from moving to a permanent home.

‘These are thorny issues for policymakers to deal with in good times - they have added gravity now.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner