School Support / Advice & next steps
Preparing for a school meeting
It is normal to feel nervous before a meeting with school staff. Preparation helps you feel confident and keeps the focus where it belongs: on your child’s support and progress.
Quick answer
Prepare for a school meeting by choosing the two or three questions that matter most, bringing the current plan and examples, and deciding what outcome you want from the conversation. A useful meeting ends with named actions and a review date.
What this means
Send key points in advance so the meeting can focus on decisions rather than retelling the whole history. Include the child’s views in a suitable way. Ask for plain-English explanations and distinguish what is known, what is disputed and what still needs assessment. Take notes or bring a supporter if that helps.
This means clearly outlining what is working, what is not, and the specific concerns you want to address.
Bringing a brief summary or a checklist helps keep the conversation on track and ensures no important issues are missed during the time available.
Questions to ask
What support is happening now? • What evidence shows its impact? • What will happen next, who owns it and when will we review?
Local Northamptonshire route
The meeting is with school, but the relevant North Northamptonshire or West Northamptonshire SENDIASS service can provide free preparation information. Local Offer services may be discussed where relevant.
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 attend without representation. A friend, SENDIASS or optional independent adviser may help where the issues are complex or communication is difficult.
What happens next?
Check the written plan reflects the meeting and follow up missed actions promptly. Keep the next review focused on impact.
Support that may help
Class teacher, School SENCO, 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.