School Support / Advice & next steps
Reviewing SEN support
A review is not a test of the child or family. It is a chance to examine whether the plan, provision and outcomes remain suitable.
Quick answer
A SEN Support review should check whether the agreed provision actually happened, what changed for the child and what needs to be adjusted next. Ask for evidence of progress and agree specific actions, owners and a review date rather than leaving with general assurances.
What this means
Schools commonly organise SEN Support through the graduated approach: assess needs, plan support, put it into practice and review the impact. A useful review looks at more than attainment. It may consider communication, emotional regulation, attendance, participation, independence, sensory access and the child or young person’s experience. It should also identify whether agreed support was delivered consistently.
If progress is limited, the next step is not simply to repeat the same plan. The school can refine outcomes, change provision, seek specialist advice or gather further assessment evidence.
Parents should be involved and the child or young person’s views should inform the review in a way that suits their communication needs.
Questions to ask
Was each part of the agreed support delivered consistently?
What evidence shows progress, no change or increased difficulty?
Which outcomes and provision will change after this review?
Who is responsible for each action and when will we review it?
Local Northamptonshire route
The school remains the first point of contact for SEN Support. North Northamptonshire and West Northamptonshire publish separate Local Offer information and have separate SENDIASS routes, so use the service for your area if you want free impartial help preparing for a review.
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
Paid support is not required for a SEN Support review. Start with the SENCO, existing specialists and free SENDIASS information. Independent advice is optional if communication has stalled or evidence is difficult to interpret.
What happens next?
Ask for the revised plan and check that it records the provision, frequency, responsibility and review arrangements. If needs remain unmet despite purposeful support, discuss further specialist advice and whether an EHC needs assessment request should be considered.
Support that may help
School SENCO · Class teacher or tutor · SENDIASS · Relevant school or health specialist
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.