Research and analysis

The experiences of children with SEND who are not in school: a thematic review

What Ofsted and the CQC found about how partners in local areas support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) who are not in school.

Applies to England

Documents

Details

This report highlights the barriers that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) face to remaining in school, the quality of oversight they receive when they are not in school full time, and how well local area partnerships help children reintegrate into school after they have left.

The report includes recommendations for national government and the sector to strengthen support for children with SEND who are not in school or at risk of leaving school.

We also have guidance on how Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) conducted these thematic visits.

Updates to this page

Published 11 December 2025

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