From data to action: What Ofsted’s 2-year area SEND report means for sector improvement

The recent Ofsted and CQC report on Area SEND inspections is a sobering call to action. It confirms what many in the sector already feel: the SEND system is under immense and unsustainable pressure. Yet, amid the challenge, the report also identifies where meaningful partnerships and strategic planning are making a real difference. As professionals and leaders digest its findings, one thing becomes clear: improvement is possible — but only with urgency, focus, and coordinated effort.

At Invision360, we work with more than 50 local authorities across England to support quality assurance and system improvement. But we are more than a technology provider — we are partners in change. Our mission is rooted in one principle:

Every child and young person with SEND must remain at the centre of everything we do.

EHCPs are not just documents — they must be a shared, purposeful plan that brings together professionals and families to help children achieve their aspirations.

Too often, as the report highlights, that ambition is lost in a system under immense strain.

The story the data tells

Ofsted’s analysis of the first two years of the Area SEND inspection framework paints a complex picture:

• Only 26% of partnerships were found to be delivering consistently positive experiences and outcomes.
• 48% showed inconsistency in service quality and outcomes.
• Another 26% had widespread or systemic failings requiring urgent action.

This is not just data — it is a reflection of lived experiences. Behind every percentage is a child or young person navigating education and life with the support of systems that too often fall short.

The report highlights eight critical themes determining partnership effectiveness — from governance to transition planning. But one issue stands out in particular: the quality and consistency of Education, Health and Care Plans.

The EHCP challenge: A systemic weakness

Ofsted found that in 69% of inspections, EHCPs failed to consistently capture essential professional input. In some cases, plans were described as “wholly unsuitable” or not implemented at all. Nearly 60% of areas reported long delays in accessing health services or specialist equipment. These are not minor issues — they are delays and gaps that directly impact the life chances of children and young people with SEND.

Too often, the report notes:

• Multi-agency advice is poorly integrated or missing from plans.
• EHCPs are generic, lacking clarity on how support will be delivered and monitored.
• The voice of the child and family is insufficiently visible — or absent entirely.
• A focus on volume and compliance overshadows quality and purpose.

This is a reality we often see in our work at the start of our local authority partnerships. And while we recognise the incredible dedication of SEND teams across the country, the need for system-wide improvement is clear - and wanted!

Recognising effort, acknowledging gaps

Since 2019, the number of children and young people with an EHCP has increased by 72%. At the same time, local authority budgets have struggled to keep pace, and recruitment challenges across educational psychology and therapy services persist. In 2023–24:

• 26% of all Local Government Ombudsman complaints were about SEN provision.
• SEN-related tribunal appeals rose 55% year-on-year to 21,000 cases.

We see first-hand the dedication of SEND teams across England, working in difficult circumstances. Despite this, many areas are innovating and striving to improve, and where high-quality EHCPs are in place, they make a real difference to children’s lives.

The eight critical areas for change

From Ofsted’s report, we know where attention must be focused. Effective partnerships excel in:

1. Strategic governance — Stability, shared vision, and data-led decision-making.
2. Information sharing — Integrated systems that prevent siloed working.
3. EHCP quality and timeliness — Focus on personalised, co-produced plans.
4. Health waiting times — Interim support, signposting, and proactive family engagement.
5. Joint commissioning — Needs-led services underpinned by data and shared funding.
6. Co-production — Real collaboration with families, not late-stage consultation.
7. Early help — Training, family hubs, and school-based inclusion strategies.
8. Transition planning — Preparation for adulthood that begins early and is coordinated.

Technology as an enabler, not a fix

What separates successful partnerships is not just attitude or effort — it’s infrastructure. The partnerships achieving positive outcomes despite national pressures are those that have invested in data integration, workflow clarity, and robust quality assurance. These are precisely the areas where technology can — and must — support.

At Invision360, our platforms are designed to enable:

• Strategic oversight through real-time dashboards.
• Quality assurance frameworks to monitor and improve EHCPs.
• Data analytics that inform commissioning and resourcing.

But more than features, what we offer is alignment with what the system truly needs: visibility, accountability, and a focus on outcomes.

Every plan must matter

The Ofsted/CQC report rightly challenges all of us in the sector. But it is not a mandate for blame — it is a blueprint for better. Improvement won’t come from compliance alone. It must come from a shared commitment to:

• Listening deeply to children, young people, and families.
• Making EHCPs meaningful and deliverable.
• Collaborating across boundaries and disciplines.
• Investing in tools and strategies that bring structure to complexity.

Moving from challenge to opportunity

We know what works. The evidence is clear. The only question is: are we ready to act with the urgency this moment demands?

At Invision360, we are ready to support local partnerships in translating insight into action. Because every child matters — and every plan must matter too.

Discover how Invision360 can support your SEND improvement journey.
Contact us for a personalised demo or conversation about of our modules  or visit our information pages to learn more.

About Invision360
Invision360 delivers innovative, efficient solutions that help public sector teams enhance outcomes for vulnerable individuals with ease and confidence.

Founded in 2021 by our CEO and experienced SEND service leader, Philip Stock, Invision360 has a rather personal backstory.

After spending most of his career working within local authority SEND Services as a Principal Educational Psychologist and Head of SEND and Inclusion services, Philip had first-hand experience of the challenges existing within SEND quality assurance. Knowing that technology could be the answer, Philip stepped out of local authority SEND leadership to start creating the Invision360 modules.

Our solutions streamline services, enabling organisations to ensure compliance, improve efficiency and achieve measurable impact. By simplifying complex processes, we allow teams to focus on their highest value activities dedicating time to critical engagement and support rather than manual tasks. With a reputation for reliability and collaboration, Invision360 is a trusted partner in transforming operations, fostering best practices and driving meaningful, lasting impact.