School Support / Advice & next steps
School is not meeting my child’s SEN needs: what to do next
It is common to feel overwhelmed when support does not seem to bridge the gap for your child. Taking a structured, evidence-based approach helps clear the path for more effective communication with the school.
Quick answer
If school support is not meeting your child’s SEN needs, ask for a review of needs, provision, evidence of impact and next actions. Request a written record with named responsibilities and a review date. Do not wait for a diagnosis or an EHCP before asking for support to be specific and reviewed.
What this means
Start by comparing what school says is in place with what is happening day to day. Ask which barriers have been identified, what adjustments or interventions are being delivered, how staff are informed, and what evidence shows about access, wellbeing, attendance, participation and progress. SEN Support should follow an assess–plan–do–review approach. Take a short, factual record to the meeting: examples of difficulty, successful strategies, communication from school, reports and the child’s views. Ask for actions in writing, including who will do them, by when, and how their impact will be measured. If communication has stalled, follow the school’s published escalation or complaints route while keeping the issue focused on provision and the child’s needs. If evidence suggests ordinary SEN Support may not be enough, ask what further assessment or specialist advice is needed and whether an EHC needs assessment should be considered. SENDIASS can provide free impartial information about options.
Ask the SENCO for current SEN support records, targets, provision and review information. Agree specific actions, who will carry them out, how often support will happen and how impact will be measured. Include the child or young person’s views and record concerns from home without assuming school sees the same picture.
Free routes include the school’s complaints or escalation process, local SENDIASS and the Local Offer. Discuss whether advice from another professional or an EHC needs assessment may be appropriate where needs remain significant or unclear. Independent help is optional and should address a defined question rather than replace school’s responsibilities.
What to do next
Ask the SENCO for the current plan, provision and review evidence. 2. Compare agreed support with what has actually been delivered. 3. Agree specific actions, responsibilities, measures and a review date in writing. 4. Include the child or young person’s views and relevant information from home. 5. Contact SENDIASS or use the school’s escalation process if needs remain unmet.
Things to check
Is the child recorded as receiving SEN support where appropriate? Are needs, outcomes and provision written clearly? Has agreed support happened consistently? Is progress being measured against a useful starting point? Are attendance, wellbeing, communication and access to learning being considered?
Questions to ask
What need is each adjustment or intervention intended to address? What support has been delivered, how often and by whom? What evidence shows whether it is helping? When will the plan be reviewed? What further assessment or escalation will be considered if progress remains limited?
Local Northamptonshire route
The school remains responsible for SEN Support. Use the separate North Northamptonshire or West Northamptonshire Local Offer and SENDIASS service for your area. SEND Lantern’s dedicated SEN Support not working page provides the fuller local guide.
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 help is not required. School specialists, Local Offer services and SENDIASS may be enough. Independent advice is optional where communication has stalled or evidence is disputed.
What happens next?
Review whether the revised plan is delivered and effective. If needs may require provision beyond SEN Support, discuss an EHC needs assessment request without waiting for a diagnosis.
Support that may help
Class teacher, School SENCO, SENDIASS, Educational Psychologist, Independent SEND Adviser.
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.