OFSTED review and guidance on remote learning for children and young people with SEND

In response to results of a YouGov poll that revealed 59% of parents of a child with SEND said they had become disengaged with remote education compared to 39% of parents of a child without SEND, Ofsted have published a video highlighting their research into how remote learning has been working for children and young people with SEND.

The video summaries evidence gained through:

• a review of the DfE guidance,
• analysis of their interim visits and
• deeper exploration of examples with inspectors as part of a focus group.

The work recognises that delivering a high-quality curriculum through remote education will not be comparable with the education that most children and young people would receive within their setting. However, there was understanding that the flexibility of asynchronous education and the need for remote learning will be a feature of education in the future.

Examples of best practice are explained and emphasis placed on the fact that attending is not necessarily engaging and engaging does not necessarily lead to learning. Provision of suitable equipment and identifying needs related to adaptation and access were also highlighted as areas that need to be considered at a person-centred level. In line with this, inspectors reiterated the point that, as in all areas of learning, there is no one-size fits all for children and young people with SEND when it comes to remote learning.

Best practice was identified as:

• Careful selection and sequencing of curriculum content
• Structure, routine and consistent support
• Effective communication with families
• Learning how to provide remote education well may help CYP with SEND in the future

As an integral part of provision planning the capacity of parents to support with delivering remote education for our children and young people, especially those with more complex needs, should always be considered.

Best practice for bridging from home to school:

• Set reasonable expectations – based on family circumstances as well as the needs of the pupils
• Explain what the child or young person is learning – details of why and how parents can best support
• Explore the other factors which may impact on the learning
• Collaborate on how to make home a good learning environment
• Make reasonable adjustments

Ofsted have produced a reflection pack based on their findings for leaders and practitioners to assist in the review of learning during the latest lockdown and preserving the good practice to utilise in the future.