Ofsted says special educational needs ‘biggest issue’ for schools

The DfE previously said it wanted to look at introducing an annual review of safeguarding in schools.

Sir Martyn told MPs safeguarding should be separate from the rest of the inspection process as it is “not a judgement”.

But he said an annual Ofsted visit for every school would cost £45m per year.

“It’s really expensive, and [with] tightening public finances I think it’s right that we ask ourselves, ‘Is this the best spending of the money?’

“If you said to me now, ‘Do you think children safeguarding in schools is the burning bush?’ My answer would be no.

“We do not see safeguarding as the biggest issue in schools. I would say that, by far, the needs of Send children is a much bigger need.”