In This Article:
- A Strong Joint Inspection Result for Islington
- Collaboration Across Education, Health and Social Care
- Children and Young People at the Heart of Decision-Making
- Tailored Support Through the Pupil Referral Unit
- Where the Partnership Is Focusing Next
- Part of a Consistent Track Record
- Supporting Families Every Step of the Way
A Strong Joint Inspection Result for Islington
Children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Islington typically have “positive experiences” and are “at the centre” of the work to support them, according to a new joint inspection report. The findings come from an Area SEND inspection covering specialist provision for children and young people from birth up to the age of 18, or 24 for some young adults, carried out jointly by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission.
Cllr Sheila Chapman, Islington’s Executive Member for Children, Young People and Families, welcomed the result, saying the findings reflect “the great ambition we have for all of our children and young people, and the determination of our own teams and colleagues in healthcare to provide the best service we can to those who need extra help or support in their education.” She added that inspectors recognised the central importance the council places on the voices and views of children and young people themselves.
Collaboration Across Education, Health and Social Care
One of the standout findings was an “embedded culture of collaboration among professionals across education, health and social care”, which inspectors said helps many children get accessible support in their schools, family hubs and early years settings, allowing them to receive help in places that already feel familiar. This joined-up approach is shaped through Islington Council’s partnership with the North London Integrated Care Board, which jointly plans and commissions SEND services across the borough.
Jennifer Roye, Chief Nursing Officer at NHS West and North London ICB, said inspectors were able to see directly how strong partnership working and staff commitment have positively shaped the health, wellbeing and education of children and young people. She noted the partnership’s ongoing focus on providing support as early as possible and reducing waiting times for specialist services such as neurodevelopmental diagnosis and therapies.
The report also found that needs are generally identified quickly by a service with “high ambition and commitment,” leading to education, health and care plans that are typically “developed to a typically strong standard.” Annual reviews help professionals maintain a clear, up-to-date understanding of each child’s needs, supporting access to a wide range of effective early help.
Children and Young People at the Heart of Decision-Making
Inspectors highlighted that the voices and views of children and young people “take a clear role” in shaping their EHCPs, an approach that helps explain why pupils typically achieve well across all phases of education in Islington. Putting families at the centre of planning, rather than treating them as bystanders in the process, is a thread that runs through much of the inspection’s findings.
Tailored Support Through the Pupil Referral Unit
Islington’s pupil referral unit, which supports children and young people who are unable to attend mainstream school because of social, emotional or medical needs, was praised for offering “personalised” support built on “meaningful consultation with the child and young person and their family.” For families navigating complex needs, this kind of tailored, relationship-led approach can make a real difference to a child’s confidence and progress.
Where the Partnership Is Focusing Next
Alongside the positive findings, inspectors set out several areas where the partnership is continuing to develop its work. Islington is putting “robust” measures in place so that secondary schools embed new approaches to improving attendance and reducing suspensions, though inspectors noted it is too early to see the full impact of that work.
The partnership is also implementing plans to improve communications with families, access to short breaks, assessment of young adults by adult services, antenatal visits, and certain specialist assessments and support. Cllr Chapman confirmed the council has “taken on board the recommendations for improving our work as a partnership” and is looking ahead to strengthening provision further.
Part of a Consistent Track Record
This positive SEND inspection result completes a review of every aspect of Islington’s Children’s Services by national inspectorates. It follows a second consecutive ‘Outstanding’ judgement for Children’s Services from Ofsted in 2025, and an ‘Outstanding’ rating for Islington’s Youth Justice Service from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation in 2024. Taken together, these results point to a borough that’s been building consistently strong foundations for children’s services over recent years, not just a single good inspection in isolation.
Inspectors visited Islington over five days in February 2026 as part of the assessment, with the full report available through Ofsted.
Find more details here.
Supporting Families Every Step of the Way
Strong SEND provision in schools and health services is only part of the picture. For many families, getting to and from appointments, therapies, and school each day is just as important, and just as often overlooked.
Let Jimac Cars provide safe and reliable transport for families and young people with SEND needs, making every journey easier and stress-free. From school runs to specialist appointments across Islington and beyond, our experienced drivers and dedicated vehicles are here to support your family’s routine with care and consistency.
