We offer tailored School Age Support as part of our Inclusion and Intervention Team Service
Children and young people (5 to 19 years)
- From Years 1 to 13
- 16 to 19-year-olds can request advice and signposting for themselves
Parents and carers
- Advice and guidance provided from our Family Hubs by the team
- Bookable drop-in sessions in community locations
- Training to mirror school approaches
Educational settings
- Linked school approach – every school will have a linked practitioner to support them
- Modelling inclusive practice and interventions
- Providing training
- Moving Forward Meetings
Eligibility
There is no eligibility - every school in West Northamptonshire has been allocated a linked worker.
Throughout September 2025, you will receive a meeting request to establish contact.
Once you have had contact from your linked worker, you will have the opportunity to request our oversight and advice. This includes an observation of up to 4 children with SEN per half term as agreed with the linked worker.
Following this we will complete a feedback meeting to aid the planning of the graduated approach, parents will be included in this feedback meeting.
The linked worker model in schools provides a collaborative and hands-on approach to supporting inclusive education. Practitioners work directly with key adults to model identified approaches and interventions with the focus for classes, groups, or individual pupils as needed. We do not work directly with children.
In addition to in-class support, linked workers offer targeted input and training on key topics, which can be delivered through INSET days, twilight sessions, or team meetings, depending on the school’s needs.
This model fosters inclusive practice by equipping staff with practical tools and shared understanding, ensuring that all pupils are supported effectively within the school environment.
These assessments ensure that children with SEND, who arrive without defined support or assessed needs into mainstream school admissions, can be supported appropriately whilst awaiting other assessments or input. This could include an EHCP or Speech and Language Therapy.
They are then linked to the overall process once agreed with admissions.
The process is begun by school admissions when they are made aware of a pupil with significant SEND needs, and may need support to enter a mainstream placement.
If an assessment for an Education, Health and Care Plan has been completed but a plan is not issued, you may request a Moving Forwards meeting to explore next steps.
How to request a meeting
You will have received a letter from the Education, Health and Care team explaining the outcome of the assessment. This letter includes the contact details to request a Moving Forwards meeting.
To arrange a meeting, please email: [email protected].
A member of the Inclusion and Intervention Support Team will coordinate the meeting with key school staff, parents or carers, and the child or young person where appropriate.
What to expect at the meeting
Please note the decision not to issue a plan cannot be discussed during this meeting. If you wish to challenge the decision, this must be done through mediation or tribunal.
A SEND Support Plan will have been developed based on the assessment findings. You will receive a copy in advance and are encouraged to review it and share any thoughts or concerns about its implementation.
The meeting provides an opportunity to:
- receive advice on how to implement or adapt recommended strategies
- agree on targeted support or training for school staff, delivered by the linked professional
This meeting does not include health-related advice. For support from professionals such as occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, or physiotherapists, please contact those services directly.
If specific teaching arrangements are needed, input may be sought from the Educational Psychology Service or the Specialist Teaching Service.
The IIST work in collaboration with partner teams from the local authority. One of the ways we do this is to provide ‘Teams around a school’.
Teams may include:
- School Attendance Support Service (SASS)
- Education, Health and Care team (EHC)
- School Improvement Partners
- Specialist SEND Teachers
The aim of this approach is to offer support, collaboration and challenge to schools across West Northamptonshire to ensure that pupils with SEND are receiving the right support, in the best way, at the right time.
If you have concerns about your child’s development or support needs, we recommend first arranging a meeting with their Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO), nursery manager or their class/form tutor.
This initial conversation can help clarify your concerns and explore the support already in place or available within the Early Years setting/school.
For additional guidance, you can contact SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS). They offer free, confidential, and impartial advice to children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities, as well as their parents and carers.
SENDIASS can support you in understanding your rights, navigating processes, and making informed decisions about your child’s education and support.