Ofsted annual report warns vulnerable and disadvantaged children are most affected where systems under greatest strain

Ofsted has released its latest annual report into the state of education and children’s care and, whilst it suggests there are reasons to be positive about the future, it warns of huge challenges that remain.

Whilst, it states, most children are well-served by the education sector and, in social care, life-changing work is being done for children and young people every day, education and social care professionals are working hard under immense pressure. Where systems are under strain, the report suggests it is vulnerable and disadvantaged children who are most affected.

The report highlights that workforce challenges mean there are often not enough qualified staff in classrooms, nurseries, colleges or care settings and that the SEND system is struggling as demand for services continues to rise. In schools it says "attendance issues have deepened and learning has become disjointed for too many children." It also highlights the fact that whilst the number of children in care continues to rise, there remains a shortage of foster carers and not enough children’s homes in the right places.  

His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Ofsted, Sir Martyn Oliver said “The education and children’s social care sectors are fundamental to the future success of this country. Their influence on the lives of children cannot be overstated. Our work allows us to see this influence up close. For the vast majority of children, the outcome is a positive one: the education and care they receive is of a high standard, and their future is brighter because of it. 

My priority is to make sure that all children share this positive experience. We know that for the most vulnerable children, life and learning can be more difficult. That is very rarely down to the services they receive, but it can be down to the services they do not receive.”

The full report can be found here.