Before and during a CWD referral: North and West Northamptonshire

Step by step

1. Start with practical local support, not just statutory forms

   Use Access Compass to check disability-specific activities, therapies, parent support, benefits help, equipment, autism/ADHD support and community groups. For universal family help, North residents use the Family Hubs Digital Front Door, which includes Family Information Service functions; West residents can use both Family Hubs and the separate Families Information Service directory. Keep notes of what was tried, unsuitable or still needed.

2. Check the correct Local Offer

   For statutory SEND pathways, use the family's council Local Offer: North Northamptonshire for North residents and West Northamptonshire for West residents. These are the official places for EHC plans, SEND processes, short breaks, school transport and preparing for adulthood.

3. Use independent advice where the family is stuck

   SENDIASS is the right signpost when the issue is rights, education/SEND process, EHC plans, disagreement with school or council, or understanding social care information. Parent carer forums and carers services can add peer support and practical advice.

4. Check short breaks and community options

   Action for Children's Northants Short Breaks service is countywide. Parents and carers can self-refer for daytime and evening clubs; overnight breaks at JGS or The Squirrels require a social-work assessment. Use the North or West Local Offer for the current local timetable and statutory details.

5. Refer or request assessment when ordinary routes are not enough

   Trying community and Local Offer options is useful evidence, but it must not be treated as a barrier to asking for help. If the child's disability creates significant or complex needs, family breakdown risk, safeguarding concerns, or unmet caring pressure, use Northamptonshire Children’s Trust / council routes to request support or make a CWD referral.