SEND IASS North Northants

04/11/2026

If the local suthority decides not to carry out an EHC Needs Assessment, this is known as a Refusal to Assess.

Receiving this decision can feel overwhelming, especially if you believe your child requires additional support through an EHCP.

Flick through our carousel to learn more about the Refusal to Assess process, mediation, appeal rights and the SEND35A appeal form.

Understanding the process can help you feel more confident about the options available and any next steps you may wish to consider.

Need free impartial information, advice or support? Contact SEND IASS North Northants:

🔗 Find resources on our website:

• www.sendiassnorthnorthants.co.uk/appeals-tribunals

• www.sendiassnorthnorthants.co.uk/mediation

• EHC Needs Assessment Guide:https://metliveuksnhsiass.blob.core.windows.net/pub/2026_Resources/EHCPs/2026_EHCNA.pdf

• Appeals and Mediation Guide:https://metliveuksnhsiass.blob.core.windows.net/pub/2026_Resources/EHCPs/2026_Appeals_and_Mediation.pdf

• SEND35A Appeal Form: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/form-send35a-special-educational-needs-and-disability-tribunal-appeal-a-refusal-to-secure-an-ehc-needs-assessment

✉️ [email protected]
📞 24-hour voicemail: 0300 373 2532 (Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:30pm)

03/11/2026

Witherslack Group have a range of free webinars taking place throughout November. 💻

If you register but cannot attend live, recordings may be available afterwards for registered attendees. Please check the event information for full details when booking.

📅⭐ Join us for this month's webinars to learn practical strategies and valuable insights to support your child 🙌

Register now: https://bit.ly/4iq8Kg8

02/11/2026

Receiving a refusal to assess decision can feel disappointing, especially if you believe your child requires additional support to access education.

A refusal does not necessarily mean the end of the process. Taking time to understand the reasons for the decision, reviewing the information that was considered and gathering any additional evidence can help you decide on your next steps.

The decision letter should explain why the local authority has refused to carry out an EHC Needs Assessment and provide information about the options available to you. It can be helpful to read this carefully and consider whether there is any information you feel has been overlooked.

If you disagree with the decision, the letter should also explain your rights, including information about mediation and appealing to the SEND Tribunal.

Our latest SEND IASS Spotlight highlights some initial steps you may wish to consider following a refusal to assess decision.

If you need further impartial information, advice or support, contact our FREE service:

🔗 Find resources on our website:
www.sendiassnorthnorthants.co.uk

✉️ [email protected]
📞 24-hour voicemail: 0300 373 2532
(Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:30pm)

02/11/2026

𝗦𝗘𝗡𝗗 𝗜-𝗔𝗦𝗞 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗤&𝗔 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲!

Do you have questions about SEND support for your child or young person?

Our team at SEND IASS North Northants are online until 12pm today to provide impartial information, advice and guidance on SEND-related matters.

Post your questions in the comments below! If you would prefer, you can also send us a direct message.

Please remember that if your query requires more detailed support, we may signpost you to the most appropriate way to contact our service.

And no question is too small. We are here to help parents, carers and young people with SEND make informed decisions and access the support they need.

We look forward to hearing from you! 🗣

31/10/2026

🎃 Happy Halloween from SEND IASS North Northamptonshire! 🕸️

30/10/2026

Hearing how our service has supported families through challenging times means a great deal to our team. 🧡

Have you used our service before? Your feedback helps us grow and continue making a difference. You can leave a comment below, send us a message or complete our quick feedback form here: https://shorturl.at/94kbv

Thank you to everyone who takes the time to share their experiences with us. 🧡

29/10/2026

Finding reliable SEND information can sometimes feel overwhelming.

That's why we have developed a range of free, parent-friendly resources covering some of the topics we are most commonly asked about.

Our resources are designed to help parents, carers, children and young people better understand SEND processes, their rights, and the support available - ranging from communication templates, an interactive map and easy-to-read information booklets.

🔗 All resources are free to access and download from our website: www.sendiassnorthnorthants.co.uk/resources

28/10/2026

💬 𝗦𝗘𝗡𝗗 𝗜-𝗔𝗦𝗞 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗤&𝗔 💬

Do you have questions about SEND support for your child or young person?

This is a reminder to join SEND IASS North Northants for our live Facebook Q&A session where we will be online to provide you with quick impartial information, advice and guidance.

📅 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿
🕙 𝟭𝟬𝗮𝗺 - 𝟭𝟮𝗽𝗺

You can post your question in the comments during the session, or even send us a direct message. If your query requires more detailed support, we will signpost you to the best way to contact us. 🧡

We look forward to hearing from you! 💬

28/10/2026

Many families tell us they're unsure what should happen after the review meeting, how long they should wait for a decision, or what to do if circumstances have changed since their child's EHCP was issued.

Swipe through our latest FAQ resource, as it explains:

🔶 What an Annual Review is
🔶 How often reviews should take place
🔶 Who makes the final decision
🔶 Key legal timescales to be aware of
🔶 What happens if amendments are proposed
🔶 What to do if you've been waiting for a decision

Understanding the Annual Review process can help you feel more informed and confident when participating in decisions about your child's education and support.

If you have questions, or require further support, please get in touch:

🔗 Find resources on our website: www.sendiassnorthnorthants.co.uk
✉️ [email protected]
📞 24-hour voicemail: 0300 373 2532 (Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:30pm)

27/10/2026

Halloween can be an exciting time of year, but for some children and young people, changes to routine, sensory experiences and social expectations can make participation more challenging.

Here are tips for creating a more inclusive Halloween experience, helping children take part in a way that feels comfortable and enjoyable for them.

There is no right or wrong way to celebrate Halloween. Small adjustments can make a significant difference in helping children feel included, supported and able to enjoy the occasion.

We hope families find these ideas helpful as they prepare for the half-term break and Halloween celebrations. 🎃