Navigating the New Ofsted Framework: A First Look for SEND Schools

The landscape of school inspection is changing. As the new 2026 Ofsted Framework rolls out, leadership teams across the region are asking the same questions: What feels different? How do we prepare? What are inspectors really looking for in a SEND setting?

At Penn Hall School, we recently became the first Special School in our region to undergo inspection under this new framework. Now that the dust has settled, we want to share our experience with you.

We are inviting Headteachers and Send Leaders to an Afternoon Briefing on Thursday, 12th March 2026, designed to engage and empower our local SEND community.

Beyond the Handbook: Real Lived Experience

Reading the framework handbook is one thing; living through the inspection is another. This event is not about theory—it is a “warts-and-all” account of our experience on the ground.

Executive Headteacher Ross Ashcroft, Headteacher Konrad Katarzynski, and Deputy Headteacher for Inclusion Sue Bagshaw will lead an open dialogue focusing on:

• The Preparation: How we prepared our team effectively without generating unnecessary workload.
• The Experience: Identifying exactly what felt different compared to previous inspections.
• The Verdict: An honest look at what we would do again, and candidly, what we would tweak next time.

Celebrating Success in Safeguarding and Attendance

Our recent report celebrated Penn Hall’s “open culture of safeguarding,” noting that every member of our community actively contributes to pupil safety.

During the briefing, we will share the specific strategies we used to evidence this culture. We will also discuss our approach to attendance, including our innovative partnerships with health professionals and family support, which has resulted in attendance rates significantly above the national averages for specialist settings.

In Action: Tour Our 14-19 Provision

The new framework places a heavy emphasis on the quality of education and preparation for adulthood.

Attendees will have the opportunity to tour our site, with a specific focus on our 14-19 curriculum. This includes a look at our student-run public café, our residential trip programmes, and the vocational training that fosters independence and confidence in our young people.

Event Details

• Date: Thursday, 12th March 2026
• Time: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
• Location: Penn Hall School
• Who should attend: Headteachers, and SEND Educators.

Secure Your Place

Spaces are limited for this event. If you are looking to prepare your school for the new framework with insights from a leadership team that has just been through it, we urge you to register today.

If you are interested in attending this event please contact us for the booking link at this email address hduffy@aatrust.co.uk 

Let’s collaborate to celebrate successes, address challenges, and strengthen SEND provision across our region.