School Support / Advice & next steps
Exclusions and SEND support
School concerns can feel difficult to untangle. Start with the main issue, the support already in place and one clear next question.
Quick answer
Keep records and find questions to ask when formal school action is involved. Start by asking school what is happening now, what has been tried and what will be reviewed next.
What this means
Keep records and find questions to ask when formal school action is involved. This is general information and does not replace school, SENDIASS, legal, medical or local authority advice.
Support may involve classroom adjustments, SEN support, pastoral help, further assessment or clearer communication and review.
Keeping a simple record can make it easier to understand what has happened and what should happen next.
Questions to ask
What specific evidence or observations led to the school’s decision?
What support strategies were already in place before this action was taken?
Which specific staff members will be responsible for reviewing my child’s progress?
How can we schedule a follow-up meeting to discuss long-term adjustments?
Local Northamptonshire route
Check the Northamptonshire Local Offer and relevant local SENDIASS route for free, impartial information.
Free support and useful links
External free resource
West Northamptonshire SENDIASS
Free, impartial SEND information, advice and support for families in West Northamptonshire.
External free resource
North Northamptonshire SENDIASS
Free, impartial SEND information, advice and support for families in North Northamptonshire.
External free resource
Northamptonshire Local Offer
Local SEND information, services and support routes for children and young people.
External free resource
GOV.UK SEND information
Official information about special educational needs, EHC plans and support.
External free resource
IPSEA
Free SEND law information and resources for parents and carers.
External free resource
Council for Disabled Children
National resources and information about SEND support and policy.
Professional help is available if you need it
Professional help is optional. Free school and SENDIASS conversations may be useful starting points.
What happens next?
Your next step depends on what support is already in place and whether needs remain unmet. Keep records and review agreed actions.
Support that may help
Class teacher or tutor · School SENCO · SENDIASS · Educational psychologist · Independent SEND adviser
Related guidance
SEND Lantern provides general information to help families understand possible next steps. It does not replace legal, medical or local authority advice.
Independent guidance for families
SEND Lantern is an independent guidance platform operated by SEND Lantern Ltd. We help families explore special educational needs and disabilities support, possible next steps and relevant services. SEND Lantern is not part of the NHS, a local authority, a school or any individual service provider. Information on this website is general guidance and should not be treated as medical, legal or educational advice.