Therapy & Support / Advice & next steps
Local SEND support in Northamptonshire
Finding the right information can feel overwhelming. Take it one step at a time; you do not need to navigate the system alone.
Quick answer
Local SEND support in Northamptonshire is split between North Northamptonshire Council and West Northamptonshire Council, with separate Local Offers and SENDIASS services. Health, school and voluntary-sector routes may cover different areas, so first identify whether your question is educational, clinical, social-care or community support.
What this means
Use official council and NHS information for current contact details. The Local Offer can help you understand available services, while SENDIASS provides free impartial information about education, health and care processes. Schools remain responsible for SEN Support, and clinical diagnosis follows health routes rather than the council website alone.
Knowing where to start can simplify your journey. Whether you are at the beginning of an assessment process or looking for day-to-day support, local council services are the primary point of contact for information.
Utilise free school-based support and council resources before considering other avenues. These services are specifically designed to help families identify the most appropriate support route for their individual circumstances.
Questions to ask
Which council or NHS service is responsible? • Is the information current and does the service cover our area? • What can happen while we wait?
Local Northamptonshire route
Do not assume North and West Northamptonshire use the same forms, teams or contact details. Use the authority responsible for the child or young person and verify whether a service covers the whole county or one council area.
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
Start with free official routes. Independent or private support is optional and should fill a clear gap rather than replace available statutory information.
What happens next?
Keep a record of contacts and responses. If redirected, ask for the exact current service name and link. Continue school support while referrals or assessments are pending.
Support that may help
SENDIASS, Local Offer, School SENCO.
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.