The SEND Support Service (SSS) offer support for a range of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) including autism (ASD). It operates in four Northamptonshire localities, and each locality has a team specialising in support at different ages (Early Years, Primary, and Secondary).
You can access support from the SSS without a formal referral, and there is no need for a formal diagnosis. You can attend their Courses and Workshops . Topics include: food, toileting, sensory difficulties, anxiety, and anger.
Consultations
You can also request a personal consultation. Appointments are available between 9am and 5pm and can be up to an hour long. This is an opportunity to seek advice and support from one of the SEND practitioners. To book an appointment please email SSS@childrenfirstnorthamptonshire.co.uk
Formal Referrals
When SSS have received a formal referral, from either a parent or an educational setting, a panel meeting takes place to agree whether the child is eligible and to decide the best service offer based on the information provided and further assessment.
Further support (which may include visits and observations in both home and/or school environments) will be subject to certain eligibility criteria.
Information about the criteria and how to refer are on the Specialist Support Services website.
Early Years and Portage
The role of the Early Years and Portage Team is to empower and support families with children under age 5 and Early Years settings, (pre-schools, playgroups, nurseries or childminders) to:
- Build on each child’s individual strengths and to identify next steps for their development
- Encourage children’s social interaction with their peers and adults
The team will work with families and settings to agree learning and developmental objectives and Individual Education Plans and support families and settings to review and monitor these plans. They promote learning through play.
Early Help for Disabled Children
There are Early Help Caseworkers on the SSS team who are available to support children and their families where there is a need for an ”Early Help Assessment” (EHA) and where the child’s special educational need or disability is a primary consideration. The team support the whole family to access information and services which may be relevant to the needs of their child. The team will work with the family for a short term period of support.
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