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 look for local activities, support for parents, benefits help and community groups. In West Northamptonshire, Family Hubs and the Families Information Service directory can help you find childcare and support for children and young people. North Northamptonshire families can start with the North Northamptonshire Family Hubs link below. Keep notes of what you tried, what did not suit your child and what you still need.

2. Check the correct Local Offer

   The Local Offer lists services for children and young people aged 0 to 25 with special educational needs and disabilities. Use North Northamptonshire's Local Offer if you live in the North, and West Northamptonshire's if you live in the West. The West Local Offer has pages on EHC plans, short breaks, transport and preparation for adulthood. The North page covers EHC plans and SEND, so ask the North team where to find the rest.

3. Use independent advice where the family is stuck

   The SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) is free, confidential and impartial. It helps parents, carers and young people understand their rights. It can help with EHC plans, with disagreements, and with understanding information you have been given. Northamptonshire Parent Carer Voices runs a parent carer forum and support groups. Ask your council what other carer support is available.

4. Check short breaks and community options

   Action for Children runs the Northants Short Breaks service across the county for children and young people aged 5 to 18. Parents and carers can refer themselves for daytime and evening activities. Overnight breaks at John Greenwood Shipman in Northampton or The Squirrels in Rushden can only be arranged with your social worker. They are for families a social worker has assessed as needing an overnight break, and West Northamptonshire Council says families are referred through a Panel. Both homes are listed on West Northamptonshire Council's overnight breaks page and on Action for Children's page. Use the North or West Local Offer for the latest details.

5. Ask for help when ordinary routes are not enough

   Local support can help alongside a referral. You do not have to try it first. The Northamptonshire Safeguarding Children Partnership says a Family Help Assessment is not required for a referral. If one has been done, it should be used to support the referral. Northamptonshire Children's Trust has a Children with Disabilities Service. Referrals are made through the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH). The Trust says children it supports usually have needs such as severe learning disabilities, severe physical disabilities that need a high level of personal care, severe developmental delay, profound and multiple disabilities, complex and severe health problems that come from the disability, or autism with a significant impact on communication, social and behavioural development. It says the team is unlikely to provide a service to children with, for example, moderate physical disabilities, speech and language difficulties, ADHD or anxiety. Those children may need other services. If you are worried about a child's safety, report a concern to Northamptonshire Children's Trust. If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.