Families and young people across West Northamptonshire have been granted an extension to share their experiences regarding local support services. West Northamptonshire Council and the SEND Partnership are seeking direct input to develop the next Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Strategy, ensuring the framework meets the evolving needs of the community.
The current 2023–2026 SEND & Alternative Provision Strategy is entering its final year of implementation. As part of the transition, local authorities are aligning the new regional approach with the national “Every Child Achieving and Thriving” plan. This national framework requires local councils to integrate education, health, and care services more effectively, making resident feedback a critical component of the planning process.
Extended deadline for community feedback
The consultation, which was originally scheduled to conclude in early May, will now remain open until Wednesday, 17 June 2026. This extension aims to capture a broader range of perspectives from across the region, particularly from those who may have missed the initial window. The SEND Partnership, which includes health professionals and care providers alongside council staff, emphasizes that the strategy must be built on the lived experiences of those it serves, while the council concurrently addresses its council budget overspend much like the updated school policies currently being shaped by community feedback.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| New Deadline | Wednesday, 17 June 2026 |
| Completion Time | 10–15 minutes per survey |
| Target Groups | Children, Young People, Parents, Professionals |
| Core Focus | Education, Health, and Community Inclusion |
Impact of resident views on future services
Feedback collected through these surveys will directly influence a series of co-production workshops involving families and practitioners later this year. The data helps the West Northamptonshire Council identify specific themes and systemic challenges within the current provision. By highlighting gaps in specialist support or community inclusion, residents can help set long-term priorities that dictate how budgets and resources are allocated through 2030.
This process ensures that future decision-making is rooted in local reality rather than administrative assumptions. The council has already published an update on achievements from the previous strategy period on its official website, providing a baseline for what has been accomplished and where further investment is required.
Participation details for parents and young people
Two distinct surveys have been designed to gather targeted information. The first is tailored for children and young people with SEND, using accessible language to understand their daily experiences in schools and the community. The second survey is intended for parents, carers, and professionals working within the sector.
Both surveys are hosted on the council’s consultation platform and take approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Responses remain anonymous unless a participant explicitly chooses to provide contact details to join future focus groups. West Northamptonshire Council is urging all stakeholders to share these links within their local networks to ensure the most comprehensive data set possible before the June deadline.
Source: West Northamptonshire Council
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