Ofsted, CQC inspection and SEF

Following the visit by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in October 2021, all areas marked for improvement have significantly developed:

• a change in culture resulting in stronger working relationships
• parents and carers are now more involved in making decisions
• a clear strategy for improving provision and outcomes
• professionals working in education, health and social care are committed, ambitious and willing to improve
• more EHC plans are now completed within the 20-week timescale.

This letter is available to read in full.

Cllr Evonne Williams, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Skills at Derby City Council, said:

I am delighted with the outcome of the revisit by Ofsted and the CQC and the progress that has been made since 2019 and would like to recognise the hard work of everyone involved in making the changes.

Andy Smith Strategic Director of People Services said:

We are pleased that inspectors have recognised the significant investment and improvements since their last visit, which they say cannot be underestimated on the impact they make to the lives of children, young people and their families across Derby.

While we have focused on putting in place the building blocks of change, we are not complacent and recognise we have more work to do in a number of areas.

The findings of the inspection can be viewed on the Ofsted website.

The Self-Evaluation Framework (SEF)

Reflecting on our services, our strengths and areas for improvement is an important part of offering the best possible SEND support. Our recently completed SEF (September 2025) gives an open, honest account of how we've supported SEND, where we've needed to improve, and the actions we've taken to address this.