Children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Kingston typically have positive experiences and outcomes, a joint inspection by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has found.

The local area secured the strongest possible outcome from Ofsted and the CQC in the area SEND inspection, carried out in June 2026.

It looked at how the Kingston upon Thames Local Area Partnership, which includes Kingston Council, Achieving for Children (AfC) and the NHS South West London Integrated Care Board, supports children and young people with SEND and their families.

Inspectors found that children and young people with SEND, including their families, are prioritised in Kingston, and that their interests are typically put first. They said that leaders are taking action where improvements are needed.

Area SEND inspections use a different framework to other Ofsted and CQC inspections, rather than a graded outcome, they give a written judgement on whether arrangements lead to positive experiences for children and young people.

This report follows Ofsted's 'Outstanding' rating for Kingston's Children's services in January 2025, and the CQC's Good rating for Kingston's Adult Social Care services in June 2025.

Councillor Sue Ansari, portfolio holder for children's services, said: "This is a really positive report, and it reflects the hard work of everyone across our SEND partnership in schools, health services, social care and, most importantly, alongside families themselves.

"Inspectors saw a positive partnership that listens to children and young people and puts their needs first, which is exactly what we want to achieve.

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"Our aim, together with AfC and our health partners, has always been to make sure children and their families get the support they need to live happy, healthy and successful lives. I want to thank everyone who has helped make that happen."

The council said that it also recognises "there is more to do, particularly on waiting times for some health services.

It added: "We're committed to working with our partners to close that gap, so every child and young person with SEND gets the timely support they deserve."

Next steps

Inspectors identified two areas for improvement to be addressed:

• Reducing waiting times for health services, including assessments for autism and/or ADHD and community paediatrics, and making sure families get the right support while they wait.
• Improving consistency in commissioned services, particularly occupational therapy and continence services, so families get their needs met in a more timely way.

You can view the full report here. The next full inspection will take place in around five years.

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