Inspectors, who visited the Royal Borough in May 2026 in order to assess the quality of services and care provided by the borough council, NHS and education providers, found a culture of high ambition for children and young people with SEND across education, health and social care services.
They also noted there is a broad and effective range of accessible universal services such as family hubs, school nursing, therapeutic input and parenting programmes and key services have been adapted in well-considered ways. Support for neurodiverse children and young people with SEND has developed rapidly and become increasingly responsive, placing a stronger focus on prioritising their firsthand experiences of the SEND system.
As well as highlighting areas of positivity, the inspection also recognised areas for further improvement in relation to continuing to strengthen the graduated approach to meeting needs, improve the strategic and integrated approach to preparing children and young people with SEND at key transition points and improve the quality of Education, Health and Social Care Plans - mirroring the council's own self-assessment from earlier in the year.
However, children and young people with the most complex learning, health or social care needs typically have those identified quickly and accurately and those in specialist education provision benefit from tailored, aspirational support that helps them succeed in education and their lives beyond school.
With the development of new advice lines for early years, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and speech and language services are helping families access support and guidance sooner, and a clearer autism assessment pathway reducing waiting times and providing greater clarity about the process.
Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Education and Windsor, Cllr Amy Tisi, said: "We are pleased that the inspection has recognised the progress made across our SEND services since the last inspection and the dedication of partners working to improve outcomes for children and young people - particularly at a time when it is recognised nationally that significant reform is needed.
"While we know there is more to do, this provides a strong foundation for the future. We will continue working with children, families and partners to ensure every child and young person with SEND can thrive and achieve their potential. We want everyone to receive a consistent service."
The Royal Borough is committed to incorporating identified areas for improvement into a robust action plan, further enhancing and refining services to ensure the best possible outcomes for local children, young people and families.
Read the report on the Ofsted website here.