Over 500 families share experiences in North Northamptonshire’s first annual SEND survey

11 September 2025

Local families have responded to the 2025 SEND survey

More than 500 families and young people have shared their views in North Northamptonshire’s first annual Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) survey.

The survey, which concluded at the end of the 2025 Summer school term, was led by Northamptonshire Parent Carer Voice (NPCV), and provides the clearest picture yet of experiences across the county – highlighting both positive feedback about schools and services, and areas where improvements are needed.

Responses came from around 470 parents and carers and over 50 children and young people. 

Many praised dedicated teachers, SENCOs and support staff who “go the extra mile.” Families also highlighted valued services such as SEND IASS (Information Advice Support Service), Educational Psychology and the Holiday Activity Fund.

At the same time, parents and young people identified areas for improvement, including more consistent Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) processes, shorter waiting times for assessments, and better communication between schools and services. Strengthening the local offer – both as an information hub and a central channel for communication – was also a clear priority.

The results will help inform the Council’s SEND improvement work as part of the SEND Action Plan which can be viewed on the Council’s website. 

We are grateful to every parent, carer, child and young person who took part. This is an important milestone. Their voices will guide how we improve services, strengthen communication, and ensure every child with SEND has the right support. We are committed to capturing this feedback, building it into our action plans, and keeping families updated on progress over the next 12 months.Cornelia Andrecut, Executive Director of Children's Services, for North Northamptonshire Council

These survey results give us a powerful insight into the lived experiences of families across North Northamptonshire. Parent carers and young people have spoken openly and honestly, and it’s vital that their voices now continue to drive meaningful change. At NPCV, we remain committed to working in genuine coproduction with services to ensure that the feedback captured leads to practical improvements in the support children, young people with SEND and their families receive.NPCV spokesperson

NPCV will now host the SEND survey every year, creating a consistent opportunity for families to share their views. 

The results will serve as a key baseline for monitoring progress year on year, helping to demonstrate the impact of listening and ensuring accountability across North Northamptonshire.

Read the SEND annual survey 2025 results in full at www.npcv.co.uk/send-annual-survey-2025