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Inspectors raise concerns about SEND provision

24th June 2025

TAGS inspection, SEND inspection

  • Inspectors from Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission have raised concerns about the way children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are supported in Sheffield.

    In a report published today, inspectors say they found “significant concerns” during a joint inspection of the city earlier this year.

    The findings highlight particular issues with the quality of Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans, which are described as “systemically weak”.

    The report also criticises unacceptably long waiting times for mental health support from CAMHS, speech and language therapy, and diagnostic assessments of autism and ADHD.

    It raises concerns about inadequate planning and support during key transitions — including the move from primary to secondary school and to post-16 education. These issues had already been identified in Sheffield’s 2018 SEND inspection and again during a follow-up visit in 2022.

    The inspectors also found that too many children and young people with SEND are being permanently excluded from school, often as a result of unmet needs.

    Despite the concerns, the inspectors did recognise several strengths within Sheffield’s SEND services. These include ambitious leadership, effective promotion of annual learning disability health checks, and a good understanding of data. Sheffield Parent Carer Forum was praised as a “valued strategic partner,” with inspectors noting our “positive impact in supporting children and young people”.

    As a result of the findings, Sheffield City Council and South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board must now develop and submit a written action plan detailing how improvements will be made. They will be working on this through the local area partnership, which also includes Learn Sheffield, Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust and Sheffield Parent Carer Forum. Inspectors are due to return to Sheffield in 18 months’ time to check on progress.

    Sheffield Parent Carer Forum trustees said: “This report reflects the concerns that local families have been raising for years. Parents have repeatedly told us about poor quality EHC plans, lengthy NHS waiting lists, and inadequate support during transitions. We have consistently raised these concerns with our partners in education, health and social care. We remain committed to working in partnership to bring about tangible improvements for children and young people with SEND, and their families.”

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