Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether she plans to (a) take steps to (i) improve accountability processes for and (ii) simplify complaint routes for the parents of children that access SEND provision in schools and (b) continue the SEND Change Programme.

Ofsted and Care Quality Commission commenced a strengthened local inspection framework in January 2023, which places a greater emphasis on the outcomes being achieved for children and young people. It is the primary tool to maintain a focus on high standards in the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system, across all partners.

Where a council does not meet its duties, the department can take action that prioritises children’s needs and supports local areas to bring about rapid improvement. The department works to monitor, support and, where necessary, challenge local authorities, working closely with NHS England to tackle any weaknesses that sit with health partners.

The department welcomes the publication of the Big Listen response. We will continue to work with Ofsted to consider how outcomes for children with SEND or in alternative provision (AP) are better reflected in the Education Inspection and the Area SEND inspection frameworks going forwards.

There are several routes of redress for parents or young people who disagree with decisions or actions of their educational setting or local authority. However, the department does understand these processes can be lengthy and difficult for families to navigate. It is in everyone’s interests that routes of redress are set out clearly and that complaints are resolved at the earliest possible stage.

The work of the Change Programme partnerships has provided valuable insights and learning across the SEND and AP system. This includes informing the department's thinking about effective inclusive mainstream practice, which is an area where more needs to be done to ensure children with SEND receive the support they need and deserve. We will share more news on the future direction of the Change Programme in due course.