SCHOOL SUPPORT / NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
Quick answer
Ask the teacher and SENCO what has been assessed, what support is being provided, who is responsible, how progress is measured and when the plan will be reviewed. Keep a written record and focus on the child’s current needs and outcomes.
What is SEN Support?
SEN Support is the help a mainstream school should arrange when a pupil has identified special educational needs. It should be matched to need, involve the pupil and parent, and be reviewed rather than left unchanged when it is not helping.
Use assess, plan, do, review
The graduated approach is a repeating cycle. Assess the child’s strengths and needs; plan support and intended outcomes; do the agreed provision; then review impact using evidence. A review should decide what continues, changes or needs specialist input.
Speak with the teacher and SENCO
Share specific examples from home and school. Ask for a copy of the SEN Support plan, who delivers each adjustment, how often support happens and how your child’s views are included. Agree a review date and request written notes or send a calm summary afterwards.
Record what has already been tried
Keep plans, review notes, reports, work examples, attendance information and relevant emails together. Note how long support ran and what changed. This helps distinguish support that was ineffective from support that was not delivered consistently or was not reviewed.
Ask how progress is being measured
Progress may include learning, communication, attendance, independence, regulation, participation or wellbeing. Ask for a clear starting point, realistic intended outcomes and evidence used at review. One test score rarely gives the whole picture.
When might specialist advice help?
The SENCO may consider advice from services such as educational psychology, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy or specialist teaching where needs are persistent, complex or unclear. Access and thresholds differ locally, and a referral does not guarantee a particular service.
When may an EHC needs assessment be relevant?
A request may be considered when the child may need provision beyond what is normally available through SEN Support. It is not automatic because progress is slow, and an EHCP is not the only possible next step. Review the evidence and seek impartial advice before deciding.
Free advice before paying for help
North and West Northamptonshire SENDIASS services offer free, impartial information. Independent advisers may help with complex meetings or evidence, but many families can make progress through a well-prepared SENCO review and free advice first.
Northamptonshire-specific information
North Northamptonshire route
Schools in Kettering, Corby, Wellingborough, Rushden and other North Northamptonshire areas use North Northamptonshire services and referral arrangements. Check the North Local Offer because access to specialist teams and forms can differ from West Northamptonshire.
West Northamptonshire route
Schools in Northampton, Daventry, Towcester, Brackley and other West Northamptonshire areas use West Northamptonshire services and referral arrangements. SENDIASS is separate in each council area; use the service for the child’s home authority.
Useful official and free resources
External free resource
GOV.UK SEND guide for parents
Official overview of SEN Support and EHC plans.
External free resource
North Northamptonshire SENDIASS
Free impartial SEND information and support for North Northamptonshire families.
External free resource
West Northamptonshire SENDIASS
Free impartial SEND information and support for West Northamptonshire families.
Related SEND Lantern guidance
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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.