Parentsactive were anticipating and preparing for an Ofsted and the CQC SEND Area Inspection of Hammersmith and Fulham, this autumn term. However, although it did not happen, the information and your experiences you all have shared us are still relevant and important. Staying informed will ensure that we are ready when the time does come, whether it is next term or next year. One thing we are sure of is that it will eventually happen, but we can not predict when. But when it does happen we want everyone to be ready.
SEND Area inspections always happen at short notice and aim to evaluate how well the local area identifies, assesses, and meets the needs of children and young people with SEND (0-25), across health, education, and care services. Although we anticipated that they would be carried out this term and preparing you all in advance as part of this, it did not happen this term.
Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect:
Process
Inspectors will gather evidence through various means, including an online survey, meetings with 6 randomly selected parents (the forum has no say in that), speaking to the parent carer forum and the SENDIAS service, as well as colleagues from education, health, and social care.
Outcomes
The inspection outcomes will highlight strengths and areas for improvement in the local area’s SEND arrangements. These outcomes are published in a report that will be available to the public.
Involvement
Parents and carers will be able to share their experiences and views with the inspection team. This will principally be done through a survey which we will share with you as soon as we receive the link. If you have more than one child, you will be able to use the same link to complete a separate survey for each child. Young people with SEND aged 11-25, will also get the chance to have their views recorded via a separate survey link that will be shared with you as well. Parentsactive will be making a submission to represent parent carers’ experiences in Hammersmith and Fulham.
Once the survey goes live there will only be one week to complete it. Neither us at Parentsactive, nor the local authority, will know in advance exactly when the inspection will happen. The notice will be sudden, so this message is to help you, and anyone you know with a SEND child, be aware of the process and be ready to take part. It’s about making sure you’re informed, prepared, and understand how you can engage and have your voice heard.
If you know other SEND families in LBHF be sure to let them know, and help spread the word. It is important to emphasise that the survey will help provide a snapshot of what life is like in Hammersmith and Fulham for children and young people with SEND.
In the meantime, if you have any questions or would like to share your experience with us as part of our submission, please feel free to get in touch info@parentsactive.org.uk.