Ofsted / CQC Area SEND inspection outcome of Birmingham Local Area Partnership

Following a three-week inspection in June 2025 to evaluate how effectively the Birmingham Local Area Partnership supports children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), the partnership has been given the middle rating of three possible outcomes by inspectors from Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

This outcome marks significant progress in Birmingham since the last full SEND inspection in 2021 identified widespread and systemic failings across the local area partnership. Since then, thanks to the hard work, dedication and commitment of teams across education, health, care, and the voluntary sector, as well as the vital voices of children and their families, Birmingham is making progress resulting in better experiences for some children. While there is still more to do, the inspection recognises that the foundations for sustainable improvement are now in place and beginning to make a difference.

Councillor Mick Brown, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families said: “When I became Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families, improving SEND services was a key priority and today's inspection report shows that we are moving in the right direction.

“The progress made since the last inspection four years ago is the result of a huge amount of hard work and I want to thank all the children, young people, families, and professionals who have played a part. I also want to recognise the work of my predecessor as Cabinet Member Cllr Karen McCarthy.

“The report recognises the improvements we've made in leadership, partnership working, and early support, and that’s a testament to the dedication of everyone involved. But there is more to do, and I promise you there will be no complacency. We are absolutely committed to building on this momentum, creating lasting, positive changes that empower all our children to thrive and reach their full potential."

Pam Armstrong, Chair and Director of Birmingham Parent Carer Forum, said “During the inspection, I saw strong multi-agency working with the child at the centre. Being together for three weeks strengthened relationships and future collaboration. The PCF plays a vital role in sharing the voices of parent carers, children, and young people, which professionals have listened to and acted upon. We've seen real changes as a result. Please keep working with us to make a difference and thank you to everyone who completed the surveys.”

Helen Kelly, Chief Nursing Officer at NHS Birmingham and Solihull, said: “It’s clear that the hard work, dedication and commitment of all partners involved in supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities is resulting in some key improvements in the experiences of these individuals. Central to this progress is our shared commitment to truly listen to the voices of children, young people and their families, and respond to their feedback to ensure our services work better for them. This is a step in the right direction, but we know there is still work to do, and we are dedicated to ensuring we build on these successes and continue to develop our approach in line with the aspirations and needs of our children, young people and families.”

Background

In June 2025 Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) carried out a three-week inspection to evaluate how effectively the Birmingham Local Area Partnership supports children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The inspection assessed how well education, health, and care services work together.

The next full area SEND inspection will be within approximately three years.

What the inspectors found

What’s going well

The inspection highlights several encouraging improvements across Birmingham’s SEND system. There is now:

• stronger strategic leadership and clearer partnership working, underpinned by a shared vision for change.
• Early identification of needs has improved, supported by consistent delivery of the Healthy Child Programme.
• Partnerships with schools are stronger, particularly around alternative provision, and Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans are becoming more co-produced and reflective of children’s needs.
•  Access to health services has improved, with reduced wait times for therapies such as speech and language, occupational therapy, and mental health support.
• The partnership is also listening more closely to families, with the Parent Carer Forum helping to shape services.
•  Additionally, support for children and young people with complex needs, especially during transitions, has been strengthened through better planning and multi-agency collaboration.

The report acknowledged that social workers and social care practitioners are skilled, knowledgeable, and build trusting relationships with children and young people with SEND and are making a positive difference. They are preparing young people for their next steps well including those who have with complex health needs moving smoothly into adult health services.

What we're doing next

We fully accept the findings and are committed to delivering the improvements needed working together as a partnership, with children, young people, families, schools, health services and the voluntary sector to deliver the change Birmingham’s children and young people deserve.

The full report can be downloaded here: https://www.localofferbirmingham.co.uk/send-improvement/ofsted-inspection-outcome/

We will publish regular updates on our progress on the Local Offer website www.localofferbirmingham.co.uk and will continue to involve families every step of the way.

The Birmingham Local Area SEND Partnership is made up of Birmingham City Council, Birmingham Children’s Trust, and NHS Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board (ICB). Together, they are responsible for the planning and delivery of services for children and young people with SEND in Birmingham. The SEND team work closely with Birmingham Parent Carer Forum (PCF) to ensure the voice of parents/ carers, children and young people are part of the work that is co-produced.