Bexley's efforts to reform Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services are showing progress, with improvements noted in the timeliness and quality of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), and better early identification. However, challenges persist, particularly in consistently embedding 'Preparation for Adulthood' (PfA) within annual reviews and addressing variations in complex 'Education Otherwise Than at School' (EOTAS) cases.
The findings come from a monitoring inspection by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC), following significant concerns raised in a December 2023 inspection. A subsequent monitoring visit in January 2026 found that the local area had taken effective action and made reasonable progress
in addressing the identified issues.
Improvements are most visible in the operation of the SEND Hub, enhanced timeliness and quality of EHCPs, better early identification and intervention, and clearer commissioning arrangements. The local area partnership has also engaged meaningfully with local partners, including children, young people, and families.
Despite these positive steps, areas for development remain. These include embedding PfA consistently in annual reviews, particularly in special schools, and tackling gaps in Social, Emotional & Mental Health (SEMH) pathways. The local area is preparing for a full SEND inspection, anticipated between June and September 2027.
