Ofsted and CQC work together to inspect local arrangements for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This is called an area SEND inspection. 

We use these inspections to improve services for children and young people with SEND.  

An important part of the inspection is hearing from children, young people and their families about their experiences of SEND services in Greenwich.  

Find out more about Ofsted SEND inspections 

Area SEND inspections, information for parents and carers in British Sign Language
Area SEND inspections, information for children and young people in British Sign Language

Local Area SEND inspection 2023

Our last inspection was in March 2023. Read the Local Area SEND inspection report 

Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission praised the local area partnership for ‘going the extra mile’ and for providing the ‘right support at the right time’ for children and young people with SEND.  

The local area partnership is made up of: 

  • the council
  • local schools
  • health services including Bromley Healthcare and Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust
  • Greenwich Parent Carer Participation Forum 

Commending services in Greenwich, inspectors said:  

“Children and young people with SEND and their families in Greenwich are front and centre of the local area partnership's work. Everyone has the best interests of the children and young people at heart.”   

Inspectors gave the highest rating possible, concluding that services ‘typically lead to positive experiences and outcomes'.  

This is one of the first few times this rating has been awarded since a new framework was introduced earlier this year.   

Report highlights include:    

  • "The local area partnership in Greenwich is mature and fully integrated"  
  • "Strong and embedded relationships with services across education, health and care mean that children and young people’s needs are met effectively"  
  • "The voice of children and young people, parents and carers is heard loud and clear in Greenwich"  
  • "Professionals regularly go the extra mile to make sure that children and young people’s needs are met effectively." 
  • "Leaders walk with [families] on their journey." 

How children and young people were involved in the inspection

The Woolwich Poly ACE group met the Inspectors. The inspectors were so impressed by their understanding of what the ACE groups are for and examples of how they have been listened to and changed services. They were also impressed by their dancing, singing and signing while watching the ACE film on the inspectors laptop! Prince Michael could sign every word of the songs! Thank you boys. 
 
Six of our first cohort of Supported Interns joined the inspectors to tell them about their experiences working at Berkeley homes and Lewisham and Greenwich Trust. They said afterwards they were proud to be able to talk to inspectors about what they have been doing on the programme, and most were planning to spend their thank you vouchers on food treats.   

Inspectors met with the Bannockburn ACE group to hear what the group had been up to and what they did on ACE sessions.

The children thought it was brilliant that they got to meet Dora (Jo: The Load inspector's) puppy.