Northamptonshire families granted extra time to shape SEND services
West Northamptonshire residents now have until Wednesday, 17 June 2026, to provide feedback on local support for children with additional needs. The West Northamptonshire Council and the SEND Partnership extended the consultation period to capture a more diverse range of experiences from families, educators, and young people themselves.
This extension applies to a set of surveys designed to inform the region’s next multi-year Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Strategy. Originally scheduled to close in early May, the window for participation has been widened to ensure the final policy reflects the lived realities of those navigating the local care and education systems.
New deadline for SEND Strategy feedback
The current 2023–2026 SEND & Alternative Provision Strategy is entering its final stages. The upcoming strategy will build upon existing progress in education, health, and community inclusion while aligning with the national Every Child Achieving and Thriving plan.
Direct input from the community is a requirement for the new framework. The council aims to identify specific gaps in service delivery and highlight successful interventions that should be scaled up. The feedback gathered during this period will directly inform co-production workshops where families and practitioners will work side-by-side to draft the policy details.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| New Deadline | Wednesday, 17 June 2026 |
| Survey Duration | 10–15 minutes |
| Anonymity | Responses are anonymous by default |
| Target Groups | Children, young people, parents, and SEND professionals |
Transitioning to the Every Child Achieving and Thriving plan
As West Northamptonshire moves toward the 2026–2029 cycle, the SEND Partnership is focusing on long-term priorities across specialist support and community inclusion. This transition involves a review of achievements made under the previous strategy, with updates currently available on the local authority’s digital portal.
The new strategy seeks to unify health and social care pathways, ensuring that children with SEND do not face fragmented support when moving between different service providers. By participating in the survey, residents help set the agenda for how local budgets are allocated and how specialist staff are deployed across the county.
Participation requirements and anonymity
Two distinct surveys have been created to cater to different demographics. The first is tailored for children and young people, using accessible language to capture their personal experiences in schools and community settings. The second survey is intended for parents, carers, and professionals working within the SEND sector.
Participants are not required to provide contact details unless they wish to be involved in future consultation workshops. The council has urged all stakeholders, including those who may not have had regular contact with SEND services recently, to share their perspectives to ensure the strategy covers a broad spectrum of needs.
Source: West Northamptonshire Council
