Decision details

Cabinet is asked to note the findings of Ofsted and Care Quality Commission East Sussex Area SEND inspection East Sussex, 11 – 22 November 2025 and the next steps.

84.1     The Cabinet considered a report by the Director of Children’s Services.

84.2     It was RESOLVED to:

1)              welcome the findings of the Area Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) Inspection of East Sussex Local Area Partnership which was published on 4 February 2025;

2)              note that the East Sussex SEND Strategy 2022-25 will be updated to include actions in response to the recommendations made in the inspection report;

3)              note the challenges within the current SEND system and our key lobbying points for future policy development in this area; and

4)              note that the existing SEND strategy 2022-25 will be extended by one year and that work on the new strategy will begin in 2026.

Reasons

84.3     East Sussex has maintained a focus on the key priority outcome of keeping vulnerable people safe. The report notes that there are areas for improvement which the Council will continue to focus on but also recognises recent improvements and the renewed focus on SEND across the local partnership. The Council work with partners, children and young people and parents and carers to address the recommendations and deliver more consistent experiences and outcomes for the children and young people.

84.4     The strengths outlined in the report show that East Sussex is in a good position to support the implementation of future Department for Education reforms. The Council will continue to work within the Change Programme over the next two terms to advocate for the required changes that are believed are necessary to create a more equitable and sustainable SEND system in the future