We wanted to let you know that Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) are currently carrying out a joint Area SEND inspection in Leeds.
This inspection looks at how education, health and social care services work together for children and young people aged 0 to 25 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and how well they support families.
Parent and carer experiences are a vital part of this process. Inspectors want to hear directly from:
- Children and young people with SEND
- Parents and carers
- Practitioners who work with children and young people with SEND
Share your views through the surveys
Ofsted and CQC have published surveys so people can share their experiences of SEND services in Leeds. These surveys are confidential and anonymous, and only inspectors will see the responses.
There are surveys for:
- Children and young people
- Parents and carers
- Practitioners
You can find the surveys (including easy read versions) here: https://ofsted.smartsurvey.co.uk/p/AreaSend/10420261
All surveys close at 9.00am on Tuesday, 21st April 2026.
If you need a paper copy of any survey, you can request one by:
- Emailing SENDbestpractice@leeds.gov.uk
- Calling 0113 37 83691
Please tell the council officer that you need a paper copy and give them your email address so your details can be passed on.
Leeds Parent Carer Forum’s role
As your Parent Carer Forum, we will be meeting directly with inspectors to share key themes from parent and carer experiences in Leeds.
Please be aware that:
- Parent Carer Forums are not inspected as part of Area SEND inspections
- Any feedback given to inspectors, including through surveys, is confidential and anonymous
- Inspection findings cannot be shared until the final report is published
- We will continue to keep members updated and will share information once outcomes are made public
Thank you for continuing to support and strengthen parent and carer voice in Leeds.
You can find more information about Area SEND inspections on GOV.UK, including easy read and detailed guidance.
What this means for parents and carers (FAQ)
What is an Area SEND inspection?
An Area SEND inspection looks at how well local education, health and care services work together to support children and young people with SEND and their families.
Is the Parent Carer Forum being inspected?
No. Parent Carer Forums are not inspected. Our role is to represent parent and carer experiences and make sure these are heard by inspectors.
How can parents and carers share their views?
Inspectors invite parents and carers to complete a survey during the inspection. You can find the survey here: Area SEND inspection for Leeds Local Area Partnership
How is the PCF involved?
We will be meeting directly with inspectors next week to share key themes from parent and carer experiences across Leeds.
Will my feedback be anonymous?
Yes. Ofsted and CQC surveys are anonymous, and individual responses are not shared with local services.
When will we hear the outcome?
Inspection findings are embargoed until the final report is published. We will share information once this happens.