SCHOOL SEND SUPPORT / NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
SEND Support in Schools Northamptonshire
Plain-English guidance for Northamptonshire families who are concerned about their child’s progress, want to understand SEN Support, or need help speaking to school about additional needs.
Quick answer
Start by speaking with your child’s teacher or SENCO and sharing clear examples of the difficulties your child is experiencing. Ask what support is already in place, what additional help can be tried, how progress will be measured and when the arrangements will be reviewed.
New to school SEND support? Start here
What is SEN Support?
SEN Support is additional or different help provided by a school when a child has special educational needs that affect their learning or access to education. Support should be based on the child’s individual needs.
When should you speak to school?
Speak to school when ongoing difficulties with learning, communication, attention, sensory needs, physical needs, emotional regulation, attendance or participation are affecting your child’s education or wellbeing
Who should you speak to?
Begin with your child’s teacher or form tutor. You can also ask to speak with the school’s SENCO, who helps coordinate support for pupils with special educational needs.
What should you prepare?
Gather examples of your child’s strengths and difficulties, work or reports from school, attendance information, relevant professional advice, support already tried and notes from previous conversations.
What support can a school provide?
Support should reflect your child’s individual needs. It may include adapted teaching, additional explanation or practice, communication support, sensory adjustments, movement breaks, assistive equipment, small-group work, pastoral support or changes to the learning environment. The exact support will vary between children and schools.
What is the role of the SENCO?
The SENCO coordinates the school’s approach to special educational needs. They can help identify needs, advise teachers, discuss support with families, arrange reviews and help the school consider whether specialist advice or further assessment may be useful.
How do I ask for a meeting with school?
Contact your child’s teacher or SENCO and explain that you would like to discuss concerns about your child’s learning, access to education or wellbeing. Before the meeting, write down your main concerns and examples. During the meeting, ask what the school has observed, what support is already in place and what will happen next.
Explain your main concerns
Give specific examples
Ask what school has observed
Ask what support is currently in place
Agree intended outcomes
Set a review date
Ask for the agreed actions in writing
What should a support plan include?
The school should be able to explain the needs identified, the support being provided, the intended outcomes and when progress will be reviewed. Ask for agreed actions in writing so that you and the school have a clear record of what will be tried and how success will be assessed.
What if school support is not working?
Ask for a review and bring examples showing what has or has not improved. Discuss whether the support needs to change, whether more specialist advice is required and whether any further assessment may help. Keep written records of meetings, support provided and agreed next steps.
Request a formal review
Bring examples of continuing difficulties
Ask whether support can be adjusted
Ask whether specialist advice is needed
Discuss further assessment where relevant
Record all agreed actions
Seek impartial advice from SENDIASS if needed
When might an EHCP be considered?
An EHC needs assessment may be considered where a child or young person needs more support than is ordinarily available through SEN Support. An EHCP is not the first step for every child, and many needs can be supported through the school’s existing arrangements.
Free support and useful links
You may want to look at these free resources before deciding whether you need further support. Some are national resources and some are local Northamptonshire routes.
External free resource
GOV.UK SEND information
Official information about SEN Support in schools and when an EHC plan may be needed.
External free resource
GOV.UK SEND Guide for Parents
Government guidance explaining how the SEND system works for children, young people and families.
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
West Northamptonshire Local Offer
Local SEND information, services and support routes for children and young people in West Northamptonshire.
External free resource
North Northamptonshire Local Offer
Local SEND information, services and support routes for children and young people in North Northamptonshire.
External free resource
Reasonable Adjustments in School
Government information about reasonable adjustments for disabled pupils.
Professional help is available if needed
Many families begin by working with their child’s teacher, SENCO, SENDIASS and the Local Offer. Specialist or independent support may also help where needs are complex, progress remains limited, communication with school has become difficult or further assessment is being considered.
SEND adviser · Educational psychologist · Speech and language therapist · Occupational therapist · Specialist teacher · Family support service
Related guidance
Support across Northamptonshire
SEND Lantern helps families across Northampton, Kettering, Corby, Wellingborough, Rushden, Daventry, Towcester, Brackley and surrounding areas understand SEND support in schools. School arrangements and local authority services may vary depending on the child’s needs and whether the school is in North Northamptonshire or West Northamptonshire.
Need help finding the right SEND support?
Tell us a little about your situation and we’ll help you understand what type of school or professional support may be relevant.
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.