# data[].attributes.headline
The LA are cutting daughters college hours by 40% when she turns 18. They refuse to acknowledge that her individual needs not changing, she has plenty of evidence in EHCP and she's working towards English and Math qualifications too.  It's being painted as college led with days allowed yet college had zero input on the decision to drop the hours. 

# data[].attributes.subject
The LA are cutting daughters college hours by 40% when she turns 18. They refuse to acknowledge that her individual needs not changing, she has plenty of evidence in EHCP and she's working towards English and Math qualifications too.  It's being painted as college led with days allowed yet college had zero input on the decision to drop the hours. 

# data[].attributes.headline
We have a thorough OT report that clearly shows dyspraxia but nobody to actually document that it is dyspraxia. OT cant diagnose officially, GP refuses..... All this evidence just sitting waiting to get her the support she needs long term.

# data[].attributes.subject
We have a thorough OT report that clearly shows dyspraxia but nobody to actually document that it is dyspraxia. OT cant diagnose officially, GP refuses..... All this evidence just sitting waiting to get her the support she needs long term.

# data[].attributes.headline
Nobody will use the words 'Learning Disability' despite my child clearly having a moderate disability. Everything lumped under autism diagnosis which does not get her the support she needs like access t LD team.

# data[].attributes.subject
Nobody will use the words 'Learning Disability' despite my child clearly having a moderate disability. Everything lumped under autism diagnosis which does not get her the support she needs like access t LD team.

# data[].attributes.headline
Greater transparency, accountability and early intervention

# data[].attributes.subject
Greater transparency, accountability and early intervention

# data[].attributes.body
SEND processes would be improved by greater transparency, clearer communication, and stronger accountability for delivering agreed support.

EHCP needs and provision should be written in clear, specific and measurable terms so that everyone understands what support is required and whether it is being delivered. Families should receive timely updates, copies of relevant reports and advice, and clear explanations of decisions that affect their child.

Where concerns are identified, services should act early rather than waiting for problems to escalate. Regular monitoring of provision, meaningful annual reviews, and better coordination between education, health and social care professionals would help ensure that support remains responsive to a child’s changing needs.

Families should be able to participate as equal partners in decision-making, with clear information about processes, responsibilities and next steps. This would improve trust, reduce conflict and help keep the focus on achieving positive outcomes for children and young people.

# data[].attributes.headline
Lack of transparency and inconsistent communication

# data[].attributes.subject
Lack of transparency and inconsistent communication

# data[].attributes.body
Families often experience delays, inconsistent communication, and uncertainty about what is happening, who is responsible, and what steps are required next. Important decisions can feel difficult to understand when the evidence relied upon, the reasons for decisions, or the current status of a process are not clearly explained.

There can also be a lack of consistency between different stages of the SEND process, meaning families are required to repeat information, seek updates repeatedly, or manage multiple overlapping processes at the same time. This can make meaningful participation more difficult and increase stress for families already supporting children with complex needs.

Clear communication, timely updates, transparency about decision-making, and defined responsibilities would help build trust and reduce unnecessary conflict.

# data[].attributes.headline
Clear communication and consistent provision

# data[].attributes.subject
Clear communication and consistent provision

# data[].attributes.body
When communication is clear and all parties understand what is expected of them, families can participate more effectively in SEND processes. Clear records, transparency, and defined responsibilities help reduce misunderstanding and conflict.

Clear, specific provision, delivered consistently and monitored effectively, helps children make measurable progress. Collaborative working between families, schools, and professionals is most effective when information is shared openly and decisions are supported by evidence.

When support is clearly understood, consistently implemented, and regularly reviewed, children are better able to achieve their outcomes and feel included, supported, and successful in school.

# data[].attributes.headline
Questions regarding new Family Help Policy - use of AI in new systems data management systems

# data[].attributes.subject
Questions regarding new Family Help Policy - use of AI in new systems data management systems

# data[].attributes.body
Outcome Star is a measurement framework used in social care and support services to track progress. It’s commonly used in family support services, youth services, mental health support.

Families are scored across areas of functioning such as parenting, emotional wellbeing, relationships, housing, finances, education, behaviour.

Areas are scored on a “journey of change” scale, eg -   stuck, accepting help, believing, learning, self reliance

The information is stored inside the Liquid Logic data management system which the council use.

There are several important data protection implications.

Under the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018, this system processes:

·       health information

·       safeguarding concerns

·       family relationships

·       behavioural assessments

These are special data categories that require extra protection.

Outcome Star also includes subjective scoring by professionals, judgements like

·       “parenting capacity”

·       “family functioning”

·       “motivation to change”

Creating records that could influence safeguarding decisions, access to services and affect future assessments.

Will families have rights to see and challenge the records?

This document repeatedly references multi agency working with schools, police, health services, voluntary organisations.  Will families have consent about who information is shared with?

If Family Help Conversations are voluntary, what information will be on Liquid Logic?  How will NNC make clear the distinction between what is given with consent and where the LA is relying on statutory powers?

# data[].attributes.body
Clear guidelines as to what they are supposed to support with and an accountability framework they can be held to, to ensure that they actually do their intended job. Also needs clarity on what services are on offer, such as disabled children’s social workers, and how to apply. The gaslighting is awful and adds mountains of arguments - they are hoping we are too exhausted to fight them and needed help is being withheld

# data[].attributes.body
I don’t know where to start - what is the need for this team? they’re dismissive, unsupportive, and rude. We’ve not once felt like they want to do anything to actually help us

# data[].attributes.body
Parents know what is best for their child. If they had more visibility of the processes that go on behind the scenes, annual reviews, consulting with schools, etc, they could be more on the ball to make sure things are going in the right direction

# data[].attributes.body
I’m not sure what happens during these reviews but when we were given our child’s place we were given our third option. It was still a special school so we were happy but disappointed that we hadn’t got our first choice. Fast forward a couple of months and we are invited to our first choice of school for a settling in session. Turns out our child was offered a place in BOTH schools! I called the LA immediately to ensure that our place in our first choice was honoured, which it was, but our son could have missed out on the best place for him because of this error.

# data[].attributes.headline
Clear communicated action plan for improvements within the EHC team. Improved PROACTIVE communication with families when delays occur. Transparency around how improvements are going to be made. Effort into positive relationships with families.

# data[].attributes.subject
Clear communicated action plan for improvements within the EHC team. Improved PROACTIVE communication with families when delays occur. Transparency around how improvements are going to be made. Effort into positive relationships with families.

# data[].attributes.headline
As usual LA not sticking to timescales and absolutely no communication or accountability. 

# data[].attributes.subject
As usual LA not sticking to timescales and absolutely no communication or accountability. 

# data[].attributes.headline
Phased transfer from Primary to Secondary

# data[].attributes.subject
Phased transfer from Primary to Secondary

# data[].attributes.body
This is extremely daunting - there just isn’t any clear information about process, what to expect, or how best to advocate for your child’s needs.

I’m very concerned that we may not get a suitable placement and I will end up having to stop working to care for my child

# data[].attributes.body
School nursing team were brilliant in supporting and persuading my daughter to have her immunisations in school.

# data[].attributes.headline
Transparency on panels for decision-making. Who sits on them? What are the decision-making criteria? Is anybody on the panel knowledgeable about the thresholds in law?  What criteria are used for decision-making to ensure they are transparent consistent and not based on subjective perspective?

# data[].attributes.subject
Transparency on panels for decision-making. Who sits on them? What are the decision-making criteria? Is anybody on the panel knowledgeable about the thresholds in law?  What criteria are used for decision-making to ensure they are transparent consistent and not based on subjective perspective?

# data[].attributes.body
Still no speech and language therapy being delivered, even though it It was promised. Delay in provision is having a profound negative impact on communication and future chances. He’s got so much catching up to do & he’s lost so much time. It’s in his EHCP. Why aren’t you delivering what you’re responsible for Delivering? Why are you failing my child?

# data[].attributes.body
Some of my friends children have heard about their secondary school place, but we haven’t even heard from the local authority so I don’t know if he’ll even get a place next year. What is the process and how are the decisions made and communicated? It’s also behind closed doors and seems incredibly random. We need clarity on the process and the decision-making criteria!

# data[].attributes.body
Should be written with school college setting considered. Ie. My daughter is 16 and her EHCP has been written for a school not a college

# data[].attributes.body
EHCP should stipulate what access arrangements are so the students doesn't have to relive the trauma more than once.

# data[].attributes.body
Went through 18 mo th of hell to get access arrangements put in place and now in college we are having to go through the same thing again which has caused so much stress and suicidal thoughts that we are now referred back to cahms for self harming and refusing to eat

# data[].attributes.headline
Clarity and consistency of SEND provision.

# data[].attributes.subject
Clarity and consistency of SEND provision.

# data[].attributes.body
Where provision is clearly specified and consistently delivered, my child makes measurable progress.

Individual staff who understand SEND, regulate calmly, and follow agreed strategies make a significant positive difference.

Written communication that accurately reflects support delivered (e.g. daily logs / monitoring records)helps parents and schools work collaboratively.

# data[].attributes.headline
Delays and inconsistent communication in SEND processes. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Delays and inconsistent communication in SEND processes. 

# data[].attributes.body
Delays in decision-making and lack of timely communication cause prolonged periods where support is unclear or not delivered.

Vague wording in EHCPs leads to inconsistent interpretation and weak accountability for delivery.

Parents are often not copied into professional reports or communications that later influence decisions, undermining transparency and trust.

Processes rely too heavily on families to chase, clarify, and evidence non-delivery rather than ensuring provision is implemented by default.

# data[].attributes.headline
Clear and measurable EHCP provision from the outset.

# data[].attributes.subject
Clear and measurable EHCP provision from the outset.

# data[].attributes.body
EHCP provision should be written with clear, specific, and measurable wording from the outset to prevent drift or reinterpretation.

Local Authorities should ensure all reports and professional advice are shared with parents at the time they are obtained.

Post-decision enforcement and monitoring should be proactive, with clear accountability when provision is delayed or not delivered.

Annual reviews should focus on outcomes and delivery evidence, not reopening settled provision through vague language or informal processes.

Consistency, transparency, and enforceable provision would reduce conflict, appeals, and distress for families and professionals alike.

# data[].attributes.headline
Accountability in academy’s & section 19 duties to be delivered by LA

# data[].attributes.subject
Accountability in academy’s & section 19 duties to be delivered by LA

# data[].attributes.body
My young person has been excluded from mainstream secondary after they spectacularly failed to safeguard him & then he reacts because they are still failing him. They’re citing behaviour but it’s caused my SEN. They don’t even have an exclusion policy & definitely can’t do inclusion or anything vaguely approaching inclusion! No provision in place & no one from LA has contacted me.

# data[].attributes.body
I honestly understand the demand in special needs truly i do but i think the local authority should issue schools access to urgent educational phycologists in desperate tines with children they struggle with more, all teachers and t.a's should have regular training and support with coping with sen kids in an appropiate manner and recognising children that need the extra help and support. Everyvschool should be equipped with a sen area for kids that need it. It should be made easier to apply for ehcps and asking for help too

# data[].attributes.headline
Support the families in a fair and clear way 

# data[].attributes.subject
Support the families in a fair and clear way 

# data[].attributes.body
more ehcp case workers who have experience of send. Clear communication and responses to parents. If there were more staff maybe they could deal with the cases they have in a more appropriate manner and so may families wouldn’t feel failed constantly. At the moment it all feels so cloak and dagger regarding the panel! There should be accountability for the lack of transparency and dreadful communication.

# data[].attributes.body
Total lack of communication and everything takes forever. Ehcp agreed back in August and still waiting for any provision. No explanation given as to why, and how much longer it will take when my child has already been out of school since March. Also refused private reports for the ehcp so no choice but to apply to tribunal.

# data[].attributes.body
College staff & teachers need training in SEND to understand their legal obligations to meet the needs of college students with SEND & additional needs with or without an EHCP. Not to assume that all students with SEND have an EHCP. They need to understand what access arrangements are & how & when to implement them. They need better communication between additional learning support & exams office to get the correct support in place. They need to implement what is on the individual support plans. The individual support plans need to be clear & specific & not so wordy. They need to be reviewed annually before the course starts not 6 months before the end of term.

They need to understand the Equality act, protective characteristics, discrimination & reasonable adjustments especially when getting students with SEND ready for higher education or work.

They also need to be open & transparent with parents when things go wrong, so we can help implement strategies to support the student.

They also need fully trained teachers that know what their subject is in depth & not employ part time teachers with little or no knowledge because they have staffing issues. Students are entitled to a good quality education.

# data[].attributes.headline
The systematic lying, denying, gaslighting and just making things up

# data[].attributes.subject
The systematic lying, denying, gaslighting and just making things up

# data[].attributes.body
Ms Christine Campany couldnt get a 'team around the family' to close our case down. She wanted social services to take over so she could put it on our records that we had a social worker. Social had repeatedly refused to help so we had no worker. Christines responce was to open a 'safeguarding case' claiming I was 'hiding my son from society'! They came round with the police! Forcing my SM son to speak. The police found no evidence of neglect and I informed them of all the people involved in his care. Social had done no research into the case. My son was traumatised! Social closed the case saying, yet again, he didnt meet their criteria.

Christine then wrote in her closing report that we had a social worker. I queried this and asked for their name but they refused to reply. I raised a complaint but they refused to remove the line saying he had a social worker while also refusing to tell us who they were or contact details.

We were left again with no help, a traumatised son, a police report, false accusation on social service records and a complaints system that protected the problem.

This is the length Christine Campany went to close a case without the criteria being met for it to be closed! The damage to my son is permanent and SEND got away with it.

# data[].attributes.body
La refused to put Salt in EHCP, because he was preverbal nhs salt discharged this meant that La would not take into account private salt report.

School placated me saying they would refer him as there are concerns around his language & understanding.

Had a report in from nhs salt.. which was not accurate to my child. Spoke to senco about it & made valid points.

Then out of the blue a call between salt & senco, Had to explain my self again!

Because little ones behaviour says he’s not understanding. Yet they don’t seem to understand the difference between visually reinforced language & and general language.

Little one if presented with visuals or pictures can name things.

Ask him what he had for dinner last night.. nothing.

He is good at masking, but he’s struggling to keep that mask up because he does not understand😡😡😡😡

Speech and language therapy goes way beyond just being able to say words!

# data[].attributes.body
SEN team at secondary is overwhelmed and children appearing to cope ok at school are not supported, despite attempted engagement by parents during transition and ASD report with clear recommendations.

Main support we have received has been outside of SEN team. Our main support has been ASD diagnosis via a charity, ongoing support from En-fold charity, head teacher (primary) head of year (secondary) and parents accessing webinars etc again run by charities.

# data[].attributes.body
Now that an EHCP is being applied for, the school doesn’t have enough evidence to prove my child needs support. This is after a year of me raising concerns, going to lots of meetings, sending lots of emails asking for help/sharing my struggles, suspensions. Now we are at risk of exclusion and it all feels like there’s a rush to gather evidence of my child’s struggles when they were very evident from well over a year ago. As a parent, if you are not educated in all the services that are available, EHCP and what that means then it feels like a struggle.

# data[].attributes.headline
More specialist provisions and alternative provisions so children have a chance at an accessible education they deserve when mainstream becomes impossible. Improved communication between agencies. Understanding, support and documentation we can understand for already incredibly stressed parents trying to hold everything together at the seems when life feels like it's falling apart. Also post 16 provisions sound almost non existent which is a worry 

# data[].attributes.subject
More specialist provisions and alternative provisions so children have a chance at an accessible education they deserve when mainstream becomes impossible. Improved communication between agencies. Understanding, support and documentation we can understand for already incredibly stressed parents trying to hold everything together at the seems when life feels like it's falling apart. Also post 16 provisions sound almost non existent which is a worry 

# data[].attributes.headline
Having to jump through hoops and give evidence that we've tried multiple different interventions from multiple different agencies, waiting on a long list for professional reports and CAMHs before an EHCP application is accepted. By which point EBSA took hold along with an eating disorder on top of existing struggles 

# data[].attributes.subject
Having to jump through hoops and give evidence that we've tried multiple different interventions from multiple different agencies, waiting on a long list for professional reports and CAMHs before an EHCP application is accepted. By which point EBSA took hold along with an eating disorder on top of existing struggles 

# data[].attributes.body
I want to see a huge change in how siblings are managed in getting SEN school/previsions/units placements.

In mainstream, sibling link is normally top or near top of placement.

For SEN provisions its not.

The genetic link for autism is so common, why are parents of siblings being told to put them into different SEN provisions, when the needs are similar.

Children should not be placed willy-nilly.

In a mainstream/sen unit school, I would also like to see that if there is enough space to squeeze another child in if a tribunal happened. That a child from the mainstream or sibling is considered first. Its not fair that those who shout the loudest get further than those who are reserved.

# data[].attributes.body
SEN holiday clubs

Funding for PA's

Unfortunately SEN parents have to work too

# data[].attributes.body
I liked the meeting and talking to people. Be nice to have a Dietitian there (or if there was, I missed them)

# data[].attributes.body
I would like parents to be told how to find local resources. My son has been diagnosed 3 years and I have only just found out about local things.

But there is not a lot of local things to do.

Give us direction when diagnosed

# data[].attributes.body
But I also want parents and carers to recognise that when SEN places get over ran, it means that the children already there suffer because everything gets spread too thinly.

# data[].attributes.body
I would like to see more Autism schools built in the area (I only know of 1)

Many of the special schools, are booked up so far in advance with children that have congenital that they wont even let you view. Which makes it harder if your childs autism is recongised later .

# data[].attributes.body
Listen to the parents, and actually follow the law when it comes to ehcp. Refusing private reports which then makes a ehcp not fit for purpose is a waste of everyone’s time, when all the parent wants is the right support for their child. The communication is appalling and there is zero transparency when it comes to the panel. Making comments that there is lack of evidence for eotis but they refuse to use a full mental health assessment. That’s the evidence!!

Forcing us to go to tribunal, and no education for a year already. The constant fight and endless emails is exhausting when you are caring for the child ft as well.

# data[].attributes.body
There needs to be more specialist provision within Northamptonshire.

When I was looking a lot, we’re not even allowing you to view.

How are you supposed to make an informed choice when there is no support for the adult advocating for the child?

I felt forced into naming a mainstream school, gaslit into believing he was not likely to get specialist provision. Yet now he is struggling in mainstream..

What the talk of removing EHCP’s from mainstream is terrifying!

Little one needs all the support his ehcp provides, and more.

I la would not it?

When it was clear, he has the need!

# data[].attributes.body
Little to no send clubs in the holidays?

Lack of communication.

Lack of support!

# data[].attributes.body
I fought to get the private SALT & OT report’s that I had paid for .. listened too in little ones EHCP process. ( which took ages then was rushed at the parent consultation stage!)

La would only agree to fund ot which has been fantastic.. so not realty the La .. But thrive that provides it are fantastic.

Salt school referred back to NHS.. 🤦🏼‍♀️

I’ve had no feedback 😬

# data[].attributes.body
The parents and families are supposed to trust the system but failing to be accurate and not documenting facts and agreements is disgusting and a low tactoc to save money, that leads to failing miserably to fullfill statutory duties. Write it down and send and email!

# data[].attributes.body
Special needs are individual to each child and what works for one will not work for the other.

# data[].attributes.body
Perhaps listening to parents suggestions could make the EHC team's life easier.

# data[].attributes.body
They seem to all be unavailable or not accessible.

Had three referrals to SSS and no contavt in years!

# data[].attributes.body
Our latest paediatrician report was completely ignored.

# data[].attributes.headline
Train your staff and update your work ethic

# data[].attributes.subject
Train your staff and update your work ethic

# data[].attributes.body
Train staff to have understanding of the complexities of what they are actually working with. Lost the attitude of superiority towards parents who are just as much victims as their children are. Meet the children you work for! Listen to the parebts and get your policies and strategies together to reflect the inpact of the LA's failure on the whole family. Don't side with schools anymore because schools will not side with the parents or children. Assume the responsability and consequences of your poor work and do something about it. Stop hiding behind pathetic budgeting and administrative ways.

# data[].attributes.body
There is a massive misscomunication issue and an unbelivable lack of responsability. EHC workers do not know the cbildren they deal with and the whole team seems to completely lack an understanding of their needs. They follow administrative procedures to hide behind failing children. They do not listen to parents and will be argumentative. Their managers don't take accoubtability for what they advise their workers to do and say. The plans read like they are written bt 10 year olds, and strategically miss out specifics that are agreed on, to then use as their defense when parents speak up. They use likes line 'waiting lists' when in fact no such thing exists. They offer alternative provision as a solution to their failure not thinking that that may be unsuitable for INDIVIDUAL children. These children are not all the same. Then the team constantly changes and you have to start over each year.

# data[].attributes.body
Transparency about the elusive panel , what decisions are being made , by who and how are they justified ?

Why are parents not sent minutes of the discussions had and only an email with a brief outcome …

We shouldn’t have to go to tribunal to secure specialist setting

# data[].attributes.body
I am sadly messaging again as today we have finally had an outcome from the panel and sadly they are not naming our parental preference

The panel have named his current mainstream setting - who are in special measures following  ofstead inspection ﻿and have stated in response to the La consultation they cannot meet Arlo’s needs - they also voiced openly with me that they would not be able to meet any of his SALT needs. Which makes up a vast amount of his plan.

We had already filed for tribunal as sadly had little faith in the process and that the panel would not name our preference , we are just saddened at the waste of time / additional cost and that it has had to end with tribunal which could have been avoided.

I have had face to face consultation with Rosie Wrighting our MP who has :

Rosie has written to the Department of Education sharing your experiences and the concerns you have raised about the policy in North Northamptonshire.

We feel very saddened at this outcome.

# data[].attributes.headline
things could be improved with coproduction 

# data[].attributes.subject
things could be improved with coproduction 

# data[].attributes.body
the expertise to support families struggling for section 19 support is within the parent community, as is the expertise to help parents build eotas packages, to challenge refusals to issue - stop endless "voice collecting" pantomimes and actually take our advice.

A recent direct payments contract sent to a parent had seemingly not even been passed through chatgpt to see if it was lawful, let alone shown to parents to see if it was fit for purpose. A coupl eof use have subsequently written a mini guide for parents with direct paymnets and also drafted a more appropriate financial agreement. We are not the enemy to be fended off at the gates, we are the experts, the advocates, the pickers up of the pieces, the full time carers and NNCs most wasted resource.

# data[].attributes.body
a few of us had unprecedented good luck one day a couple of weeks ago when someone capable and dynamic answered the ehc team helpline.

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Such limited offers for post 16 provisions for SEND.  Everyone if offering the same kind of courses.  Nothing pitched for kids in the 'middle' those who have academic potential but just need the right environment or more time. Very little opportunity to retake or take GCSE's (outside of college) College not suitable for all our kids. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Such limited offers for post 16 provisions for SEND.  Everyone if offering the same kind of courses.  Nothing pitched for kids in the 'middle' those who have academic potential but just need the right environment or more time. Very little opportunity to retake or take GCSE's (outside of college) College not suitable for all our kids. 

# data[].attributes.body
Trying to get hold one anyone is near impossible, even having a caseworker gets you absolutely no where.

# data[].attributes.body
From our experience nothing is working well, been let down time after time, no communication from anyone, shocking.

# data[].attributes.headline
A complete overhaul of the entire EHC Team at NNC and significant training in EHCP laws and statutory obligations. 

# data[].attributes.subject
A complete overhaul of the entire EHC Team at NNC and significant training in EHCP laws and statutory obligations. 

# data[].attributes.headline
This list could be endless:- but a few examples include:- 

# data[].attributes.subject
This list could be endless:- but a few examples include:- 

# data[].attributes.body
Not following statutory guidelines or timeframes

Not understanding the concept of ANNUAL reviews

Being completely unresponsive to any attempt of communication

Awful Case Management, particularly under the EOTAS service

Not providing children with their statutory right to an education

Not delivering Section F provisions to children who need it most

Ignoring Independent Reports

Huge expenditure on taking already exhausted, stressed parents through legal routes rather than ensuring they deliver their statutory obligations

Unable to evidence or justify any decision making processes

The problems seem to stem from the top of management right down to Department Heads and Caseworkers.

Parents have lost all trust and confidence in the service.

I can go on and on!

# data[].attributes.body
I actually struggle to think of a single thing that's working well in the EHC Team at NNC.

# data[].attributes.body
Parents need support. Parents need to be listened to. My mental health has taken a very large dip due to not knowing how to best support my daughter. A timeliness for ehcp is great but I think these restrictions need to be added to appointments for other services also. Ie. Being refused for assessment and being given a time frame to appeal means the council should also be attending mediation within that time line not given an appointment time two months after the deadline being given to parents.

We have ehcp final for 1st Sept but have heard nothing from no one since. We are ment to have salts assessment and OT assessment but nothing. No idea at all how long it will be or if it has actually been requested

# data[].attributes.body
I have been waiting since June 24 for for both. Not good when transitioning into college will no idea how to best support a struggling teen

# data[].attributes.headline
The support for children transitioning into adult hood is shocking. Even with an ehcp the college done nothing until 5 weeks later and only because i chased it.

# data[].attributes.subject
The support for children transitioning into adult hood is shocking. Even with an ehcp the college done nothing until 5 weeks later and only because i chased it.

# data[].attributes.body
Northamptonshire needs to start following the law when it comes to children with SEND. Too many families are being left without support, without education, and without answers. Section 19 alternative provision is often delayed or denied completely, leaving children at home for months with no suitable education in place — which is unlawful.

Parents shouldn’t have to fight, make endless complaints, or go to the Ombudsman just to get what their children are legally entitled to. There needs to be proper accountability, faster action, and genuine communication with families.

It’s time for the Local Authority to stop making excuses and start delivering lawful, timely support for every child with SEND in Northamptonshire.

# data[].attributes.headline
Updates and communication on waiting lists and support during this time

# data[].attributes.subject
Updates and communication on waiting lists and support during this time

# data[].attributes.body
Keeping parents and carers updated when waiting lists are very long, maybe text messages, emails or phone calls to let parents know how far or long they are waiting, not just left in the dark for months, years, every child on the pathway to assessment should be treated as if they have the sen need or disability until proven otherwise and organisations and schools should be aware of this an act accordingly.

# data[].attributes.headline
Section 19 alternative provision not accessible

# data[].attributes.subject
Section 19 alternative provision not accessible

# data[].attributes.body
In Northamptonshire, children who remain on roll at a school but are unable to attend due to their special educational needs are being left without suitable education — even though the Local Authority has a clear legal duty under Section 19 of the Education Act 1996.

My stepdaughter Sofia was on roll but unable to attend because her needs couldn’t be met in the current school environment. Despite this, no alternative provision was arranged. The LA was aware of her situation yet failed to ensure she received any meaningful education.

Section 19 makes it clear that when a child of compulsory school age cannot attend school “by reason of illness, exclusion or otherwise,” the LA must arrange suitable full-time education. “Otherwise” includes cases where attendance is not possible due to unmet SEND needs.

This ongoing failure is leaving many disabled children isolated and regressing while the LA avoids its legal duty. Northamptonshire urgently needs an accessible, transparent Section 19 process so that children like Sofia are not forgotten simply because they cannot physically attend school.

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Our EHCP experience has actually been really positive. It took under a year for two of my stepchildren to receive their plans, and my stepson has just been accepted into a specialist placement a few weeks ago.

We’ve been incredibly lucky, as I know this isn’t the case for everyone, but our caseworker has been excellent throughout — always responding to emails and keeping us informed at every stage. It’s made a huge difference having someone who genuinely communicates and cares.

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Assessments, schools send, waiting lists and ehcps 

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Assessments, schools send, waiting lists and ehcps 

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Waiting for assessments has been hard and just being left to wait whilst child needs support and only really gets that support when they have had official diagnosis seems so unfair, schools not recognising the “Sen-betweeners” because they conform to school and are not actively disrupting or showing needs they get left behind, not recognising the signs or needs although it’s been seen and documented my different professionals and family, saying they can cater for children with Sen and plans will be in place but not sticking to there word and helping individuals that need it.

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My experience with SALT has been wonderful

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My experience with SALT has been wonderful

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The EHCP portal makes applying for an EHCP a challenge and we got pushed back to the portal for sending an request for assessment letter, after challenge it eventually got sent to the EHCP team but we haven’t heard anything!

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Things need to improve with caseworkers and how they respond (well lack of)

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The solicitor for the LA has been quite good at working with my representative and actually trying

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My daughters EHCP clearly stated she could not attend mainstream schools, this was ignored and a mainstream allocated, shes now been out of school since they split in summer and all mainstream have said they cant meet her needs, if her plan had been taken into account in the first place and the EHCP officers could be contacted and they helped this might not be happening

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Clear explanations as to what is happening, not leaving parents waiting worried sick. Responses to emails, the process explained clearly. They should be working with us, following the law and listening to us parents, not against us.

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Refusing to accept a private mental health report 

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Refusing to accept a private mental health report 

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Didn’t include a very detailed private mental health report in the ehcp assessment, making the final ehcp not fit for purpose, then ignoring my requests for it to be added. The communication is so poor, even when I do hear back I get mixed messages.

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North and West Northamptonshire Councils look into the aptitude and CAT test processes used

by schools in the county to 'ensure that tests are accessible to children with special educational needs and disabilities, having regard to the reasonable adjustments for disabled pupils required under equalities legislation' as set out in the Admissions Code and report those who are not compliant to the Schools Adjudicator.

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Secondary school applications aptitude and CAT tests

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Secondary school applications aptitude and CAT tests

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Secondary schools in Northamptonshire are not offering reasonable adjustments to SEND pupils without an EHCP who wish to take part in aptitude tests or have to take part in CAT tests as part of the application process. This is in breach of the admissions code.

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Fast response to contact even if it’s just to say they can’t deal with it immediately.

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Unfortunately I have been unable to get any contact from the Post 16 team to update my sons EHCP.

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I had an amazing experience and service from Julia Ward going through our EOTAS journey. She also responded incredibly quickly to help my son secure a college place at short notice.

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Greater transparency

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Pleased to see meet the teams and SEND workshops are happening once again. Let’s hope the “teams” we all really want to see turn up to speak to us. 

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Pleased to see meet the teams and SEND workshops are happening once again. Let’s hope the “teams” we all really want to see turn up to speak to us. 

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Trying to get hold of the EHCP team it’s impossible!

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Trying to get hold of the EHCP team it’s impossible!