Therapy & Support / Advice & next steps
Which support might help?
You do not need to have all the answers immediately. It is normal to feel unsure about where to begin; start by focusing on the single area that currently has the most impact on your child's wellbeing or learning.
Quick answer
Choose support by starting with the problem you want to improve, not a provider title. A communication difficulty, learning question, sensory barrier, mental-health concern or legal-process issue may need different expertise. Use free school, NHS, SENDIASS and official information before deciding whether paid help adds value.
What this means
Describe the need, setting, impact and outcome you want. Then ask which professional is qualified to assess or support that area. Check registration where the profession is regulated, clarify scope and avoid providers promising a diagnosis or result. One professional may identify that another type of help is more suitable.
Support is not one-size-fits-all. Some needs are best addressed through classroom adjustments or school-based interventions, while others may benefit from clinical advice. Distinguishing between educational support and health-based pathways ensures you use the right service for the right outcome.
Before exploring paid options, investigate free pathways. Your child’s school, local health services, and community resources are often the first point of contact. Utilising these established channels can provide significant insight and support without the need for private intervention.
Questions to ask
What exact outcome are we trying to improve? • Which professional is qualified for that question? • What free route or existing evidence should we use first?
Local Northamptonshire route
North and West Northamptonshire have separate Local Offers and SENDIASS services. NHS and school routes may differ from private access, so check current local information before paying.
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 optional. It is most useful when it addresses a defined gap and the provider is appropriately qualified. Avoid buying broad packages before the assessment question is clear.
What happens next?
Choose the least burdensome next step that can answer the question. Review whether it produced usable advice before commissioning further work.
Support that may help
School SENCO; SENDIASS advisors; Speech and Language Therapists; Occupational Therapists; Educational Psychologists; Family Support Workers.
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.