It does not surprise me that some children are registered as having SEN when they should not be. Schools are under increasing pressure from families to diagnose their child as having SEN, as the parents - rightly or wrongly - perceive that their child has it and should get additional support. It is very difficult for schools when the parents’ belief is strong but evidence is weak.
In addition, schools have to respond to medical reports from paediatricians and child and adolescent psychiatrists who diagnose but provide no treatment and pass on the responsibility for treatment of Asperger’s or ADHD to the school and local authority.
Ofsted should see the bigger picture before it critises SEN diagnosis and teaching quality.
George Crowther, Consultant educational psychologist, Reigate, Surrey.