What if my child has a Special Educational Need?

All Northamptonshire schools provide educational support to children with a wide range of learning difficulties.  All schools are also aware of the particular needs of the very able.

Schools will try to make adjustments to accommodate children who have special educational needs but only some schools are accessible for children who have mobility or sensory difficulties.  We advise parents to discuss their children’s special educational needs with a member of staff at their preferred school before completing the preference form.

If you think that your child has special needs and they are not currently attending an early years setting please contact your local office of the Children and Young People’s Service and ask to speak to the Area  Business Manager (ABM). The ABM will put you in contact with one of the Early Years Support Teachers who will be able to assist you.

If your child has special needs and they are attending an early years setting, please discuss your child’s school place with the named Special Needs Co-ordinator. The Head Teacher/Teacher-in-charge or Manager of the early years setting will be able to let you know who this is and how to contact them.

Applications for a Reception place / Transfer from Infant to Junior School

If your child has a statement of special educational needs, you will receive a letter from the Children and Young People’s Service (CYPS)/Inclusion local office, seeking details of your school preference.  You will be asked to respond within 15 days. For transfers from infant to junior or lower to middle you will be informed of your child’s school place by 15th February 2009.

It is also recommended that, if your child is due to transfer from an early years setting into Reception, you seek to inform the CYPS/Inclusion local office of your preference as soon as possible. Places will be confirmed by February 2009 where possible.

Northamptonshire County Council decides which school is named on a pupil’s statement of Special Educational Needs. Any appeals are made to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal (not to the local appeals panel).

Parents may wish to seek impartial advice from the Parent Partnership Service “Special Needs Involving Parents” (SN-IP); they can be contacted on 01604 636111.

Children and Young People’s Service local office addresses and telephone numbers:

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