School Support / Advice & next steps
Keeping a school support record
Managing paperwork for school support can feel overwhelming. Staying organised ensures that you have the right information ready when it matters most.
Quick answer
A school support record is a simple timeline of concerns, meetings, provision, progress and agreed actions. It helps families and school see what has happened without relying on memory. Keep it factual, concise and linked to documents rather than recording every conversation in full.
What this means
Record dates, people involved, the issue discussed, support promised, when it began and the review outcome. Save plans, reports, key emails, attendance information and examples of work separately. Include the child’s views and note where practice differs from the written plan.
This means filing everything—emails, IEPs, incident logs, and external report summaries—in one place where they can be quickly referenced.
Regular updates to this record will help you notice patterns in your child's well-being and academic progress, which might otherwise be missed.
Questions to ask
What was agreed, by whom and by when? • Did the support happen and what was the impact? • Which document or example supports this entry?
Local Northamptonshire route
The record can support conversations with school, the relevant North or West Northamptonshire SENDIASS service and, where needed, the responsible local authority. Use current local forms when information is requested.
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
Families can maintain the record themselves. Independent help is optional if there is a large volume of evidence or a formal process requires focused organisation.
What happens next?
Use the record to identify missing actions and prepare for the next review. Share only relevant sections and protect sensitive information.
Support that may help
School SENCO, Class Teacher, SENDIASS.
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.