EHCP Help / Advice & next steps
Questions to ask your SENCO about SEN Support
A short list of questions can help meetings feel clearer and make it easier to leave with agreed actions.
Quick answer
Ask the SENCO what support is happening now, which need each part is intended to address, how consistently it is delivered and when its impact will be reviewed. A good meeting should end with clear actions, named people and a review date—not only reassurance.
What this means
Before the meeting, choose the two or three changes that would make the biggest difference to your child’s access, wellbeing or attendance. Bring the current SEN Support plan, recent reports, examples from home and any questions from your child. Keep the discussion focused on specific situations rather than labels alone. Useful questions include: What are the identified needs? What adjustments and interventions are in place? How will class staff know what to do? What evidence shows whether support is helping? What will happen if the plan is not working? When will we meet again? Ask how your child’s views are being included. Afterwards, request or make a short written summary of what was agreed. If support remains unclear or ineffective, ask for a formal review. The SENCO coordinates SEN provision, but teachers remain responsible for day-to-day learning and support in the classroom.
It is okay to ask for plain-English explanations, examples and written follow-up. You do not need to remember every SEND term.
Try to focus on what is happening now, what is not working and what will happen next.
What to do next
Ask what support is currently in place.
Ask how progress is being measured.
Ask what has not worked as expected.
Ask which reports and records are available.
Agree who will complete each next action and by when.
Things to check
Do you have the latest SEN support plan?
Are targets specific and reviewable?
Are your child’s views included?
Have outside professionals been involved where needed?
Will you receive notes or actions after the meeting?
Questions to ask
What support or decision is currently in place?
What evidence has been considered or may still be missing?
What is the next action, who is responsible and when should it happen?
Local Northamptonshire route
Families in Northamptonshire can check the relevant local authority SEND route for West Northamptonshire or North Northamptonshire. Local SENDIASS services can offer free, impartial information and support.
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
Many families use free information and school support first. Professional help is optional and may be useful if evidence is complicated, communication has stalled or you want help understanding your choices.
What happens next?
Your next step depends on the decision or stage you are at. Keep records, confirm actions in writing and use free advice before deciding whether additional support would help.
Support that may help
School SENCO · SEND advocate · Educational psychologist
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.