Ofsted's new schools inspection framework will include criteria on howwell schools support children with SEN and disabilities. The Governmentsaid it would amend the law as soon as possible so that Ofsted has alegal duty to report on it.
Children's secretary Ed Balls also said that unsatisfied parents willhave a legal right to appeal against their child's statement of specialeducational needs - which sets out what needs a child has and what helpthey need - to give them more say about the objectives set.
Ths will mean that parents can appeal to the SEN tribunal in cases wherethe local authority does not amend a statement following an annual orinterim review.
In a letter to Mr Balls, Sir Brian wrote, 'My belief is that theeducation system as a whole is insufficiently focused on objectives andoutcomes for disabled children and children with SEN. This is along-standing and deep-seated cultural problem that has its origins inan era before all children were entitled to education in ourschools.'
He said parents' experiences varied widely and during the inquiry he hadmet some of the 'happiest parents in the land, and some of theangriest'.
He said there needed to be 'significant improvements' in the waystatements are written so that they are more focused on objectives andoutcomes for children.
Mr Balls accepted all of Sir Brian's recommendations.
The final Lamb Inquiry report is published next month, with a Governmentresponse in the autumn.
FURTHER INFORMATION
See National Strategies guidelines on good practice in drawing upstatements athttp://nationalstrategies.standards.dcsf.gov.uk/node/190123.