There was an area SEND inspection of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole between 17th to 21st November 2025.
Following the publication of the Ofsted/CQC Inspection Report, this is Parent Carers Together response:
Parent Carers Together (PCT) welcomes the findings of the 2025 Ofsted and CQC Area SEND Inspection. The report reflects what families have been telling us for years: while improvements are emerging, the SEND system in BCP is still inconsistent, difficult to navigate and not yet delivering the support our children and young people deserve.
What the Inspection Found
The inspection concluded that:
· Children and young people with SEND experience variable support across education, health, and social care.
· Leadership is more stable and partnership working is improving, but progress is uneven.
· EHCPs are timelier and improving in quality, but still inconsistent, with gaps in outcomes, transitions, and multi‑agency input.
· Neurodevelopmental pathways remain under significant pressure, with long waits and inequity between diverse groups.
· Support for SEMH needs and alternative provision is not sufficient, especially for younger children.
· Preparation for adulthood is improving but still too reactive.
· Families continue to report poor communication, limited community inclusion, and insufficient short breaks.
· These findings mirror the lived experiences shared with PCT by hundreds of parent carers.
Our Position
PCT recognises the commitment shown by BCP Council and NHS Dorset, and we value the growing partnership with us. However, the inspection makes clear that families are still facing barriers that have real consequences for children’s wellbeing, education, and long‑term outcomes.
We believe the partnership must now focus on:
1. Consistency and Accountability – Families need a system that works wherever they live in BCP, not one that depends on the school, practitioner, or postcode.
2. Genuine Co‑production – Progress has been made, but trust is not yet fully restored. Co‑production must be early, meaningful, and embedded across all services—not an afterthought.
3. High‑Quality EHCPs – Plans must be specific, up‑to‑date and informed by strong multi‑agency advice. Transitions need far better planning.
4. Neurodevelopmental Support – Waiting times must reduce, and needs‑led support must be guaranteed for every child, not just those in certain pathways.
5. SEMH and Alternative Provision – The current offer does not meet demand. Early intervention, specialist support, and appropriate AP options must be expanded urgently.
6. Preparation for Adulthood – Young people need earlier planning, better careers advice and more opportunities for independence, employment, and community participation.
7. Community Inclusion and Short Breaks – Families need accessible activities, respite, and support across all BCP localities. The current offer is not sufficient.
Our Expectations for the Improvement Plan
The partnership must now produce a strategic plan that is:
· Co‑produced with parent carers and young people
· Clear about actions, timeliness, and accountability
· Honest about gaps and resourced to deliver real change
· Focused on equity, inclusion, and long‑term sustainability
PCT will continue to work constructively with the partnership, while firmly advocating for the rights and needs of children, young people, and their families.
Our Commitment
We will keep amplifying family voices, challenging where necessary and collaborating where it leads to better outcomes. Every child and young person with SEND in BCP deserves to be visible, valued and supported to thrive.
You can read the full Ofsted/CQC Report HERE.
For your information, there is a Post Inspection meeting on 26th March to look in more depth at SEND inspection report and work on next steps. Parent Carers Together will be participating in this meeting and highlight while there are improvements, there are still significant inconsistencies, we will take the opportunity to push for improved coproduction.