Enfield SEND partnership receives highest possible rating

The Enfield Local Area Partnership, which supports children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), has received the highest possible rating following a 2026 Area SEND inspection by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Inspectors found that Enfield’s arrangements for supporting children and young people with SEND "typically lead to positive experiences and outcomes," and highlighted effective collaboration across education, health, and social care.

Cllr Chris Dey, cabinet member for children’s services at Enfield Council, said: "This is a significant achievement for the entire partnership and reflects years of dedication, collaboration and determination to improve the experiences and outcomes of children, young people and their families.

"We know how important it is that children and young people with SEND receive the right support at the right time, and this report recognises the strong foundations we have built across Enfield. We will continue to work closely with our partners, families and young people to build on these strengths and to address the areas where further improvement is needed."

The report praised the partnership’s "clear and ambitious vision," multi-agency working, effective leadership, and meaningful engagement with children, young people, parents, and carers. It also noted that children and young people with SEND are supported to help shape the services they use, and are valued as members of the community.

Key strengths included early identification of needs, well-established governance and accountability, effective support for children in the early years, strong person-centred care for children with complex medical needs, and support for young people with education, health and care plans as they prepare for adulthood.

Inspectors also highlighted the role of Family Hubs in providing accessible support for parents and carers, as well as therapy services that offer practical advice and early screening. Joint clinics were noted as a positive example of reducing the need for families to attend multiple appointments or repeat their stories.

Tony Theodoulou, executive director of people at Enfield Council, said: "This outcome is a testament to the commitment, professionalism and dedication of colleagues across every part of the partnership. We have worked hard with the local parent/carer forum, Our Voice, to build a system that places children, young people and families at its heart, and it is encouraging to see that recognised by inspectors.

"I am particularly grateful to the children, young people and parent carers who shared their experiences during the inspection. Their voices have been central to the progress we have made and will continue to shape our priorities as we strive to deliver even better outcomes in the future."

The partnership will now update its strategic plan in response to the recommendations made by Ofsted and the CQC.