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How Ofsted inspects SEND provision

See how Ofsted inspects SEND as part of the 'inclusion' evaluation area. Find out what inspectors will look for and how they'll gather evidence, including case sampling.

Last reviewed on 21 October 2025See updates
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 8093
Contents
  1. SEND is covered in the inclusion evaluation area
  2. Your SEND provision also impacts other evaluation areas
  3. SEND inspection activities 
  4. How you'll be graded
  5. Evaluate your current provision
  6. Resources for your SEND provision

SEND is covered in the inclusion evaluation area

Inclusion is a new evaluation area under the 2025 inspection framework.

It considers how well your school identifies and supports pupils who face barriers to their education and wellbeing, including pupils:

  • Receiving special educational needs (SEN) support
  • With a disability
  • With an education, health and care (EHC) plan

If you don't have many (or any) pupils who fall into these categories, inspectors will consider your process for identifying their needs, and what measures you have in place to support pupils with SEND on your roll in the future.

Inclusion also covers a wider range of pupils, including socioeconomically disadvantaged pupils and those known to children's social care.

See our article on how Ofsted inspects inclusion for full details of the evaluation