[senco-forum] Toe by Toe

I find OFSTED school and LA inspections seriously deficient when it comes to

On 22/02/07 19:30, "kngbrndn at aol.com" <kngbrndn at aol.com> wrote:
<snipped>
> I find OFSTED school and LA inspections seriously deficient when it comes to
> SEN -- which indicates the lack of expertise and genuine interest by
> Inspection Agencies. I'm not suggesting that they should get heavier for
> school staff -- but more informed and enlightened. Actual lack of knowledge of
> the SEN process shows up all of the time.

> LA inspection reports have a stock set of phrases that are entirely
> misleading. If the LA carries out assessments and statementing procedures
> within the legal time-limits (most achieve this now as these clear regs, that
> even lay-people (parents / teachers, et.al.) without experience can pick up
> on, have been in force for over 12 years), A typical Report will state that
> "the LA complies with all of its statutory duties" if it has met the time
> limits. This phrase is made even if the LA has broken the law in very serious
> ways in respect of the written contents of its statements, or has failed to
> follow the assessment procedures rigourously, designed to ensure a thorough
> assessment has been carried out.

> The 'Inspectors' obviously don't read sample statements issued by LAs, and, if
> they do, do not understand how they are supposed to be written.

> In other words, the OFSTED presides over LAs robbing SEN children of their
> sufficiency of entitlement -- and by implication actually gives its approval
> -- which is reinforced by severe critiscism of LAs that overspend on SEN
> budgets -- or have budgets in excess of "similar (by implication more
> efficient) LAs".

Brendan, I think you may have just laid out the case for another No.10 web
petition - similar to the ongoing petition asking that SENDIST tribunal
panels be given the power to order LEAs to correct any unlawful SEN stuff
that may become evident in the course of an SEN appeal

How about something along the lines:
"That due to continuing failures by OFSTED during inspection of Local
Education Authorities to properly identify unlawful policies, procedures and
practices concerning assessment and the making of statements of special
educational needs, we petition the government to ensure that future
inspections are undertaken with proper regard to the appropriate statutory
frameworks".

or similar?

Just my two penn'orth.

Regards, Mike
-- 
Mike Boyd <mike at green43.demon.co.uk>