More than 500 responses to Send survey

Northamptonshire Parent Carer Voice led the survey

More than 500 people have shared their views on the local service for children with additional needs.

The Northamptonshire Parent Carer Voice group (NPCV) led the first annual special education needs and disabilities (Send) survey about the service in north Northamptonshire.

Many of the responses praised dedicated teachers and support staff who went "the extra mile", but the survey also highlighted delayed waiting times for assessments.

A spokesperson for NPCV said the results offered "a powerful insight into the lived experiences of families".

About 470 parents and carers, and more than 50 children and young people, responded to the survey.

The research identified the need for more consistent education, health and care plan (EHCP) processes, reduced waiting times for assessments and stronger communication between schools and local services.

An EHCP is a legally-binding document setting out what extra support a young person needs up to the age of 25.

In 2024, North Northamptonshire Council had 619 EHCP requests and completed 554 within a six-month period.

Last year, Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reported that 4,099 children were waiting for assessments in March 2025, up from 2,497 children just 18 months earlier.

According to a Freedom of Information request, in 2024, people waited an average of 530 days for an assessment - almost a year and a half.

This compared with 287 days in 2022.

The findings from the survey will feed into North Northamptonshire Council's Send action plan.

Cornelia Andrecut, executive director of children's services on the Reform UK-led local authority, said: "We are grateful to every parent, carer, child and young person who took part.

"Their voices will guide how we improve services, strengthen communication, and ensure every child with Send has the right support."