New services launched for SEND children and young people in Northamptonshire
North Northamptonshire and West Northamptonshire Councils are launching two new separate special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) information, advice and support services (IASS) for children and young people across the county.
The new North Northamptonshire SEND IASS and West Northamptonshire SEND IASS will replace the current IASS for SEND in Northamptonshire. The new services will start on 1 April 2023.
West Northamptonshire SEND IASS will cover Northampton, South Northants, Daventry and Towcester, while North Northamptonshire SEND IASS will cover Wellingborough, Rushden, Kettering and Corby.
The two new services will continue to deliver the IASS remit of providing free, impartial information, advice and support to children and young people with SEND and their families.
As part of the Children and Families Act 2014 it is a legal requirement that all local authorities ensure children and young people aged 0 to 25 with special educational needs and disabilities and their parents have access to an impartial information, advice and support service.
The two new services will operate at arm’s length from the local authorities and Integrated Care Board. All staff will continue to be independently trained.
The services will give practical, factual and impartial information advice and support to enable children and young people and their parents to participate fully in decisions about education, health and social care.
From 1 April 2023, further information about the West Northamptonshire SEND IASS will be available by calling 0300 12 61039, by emailing SENDIASS@westnorthants.gov.uk, or online at www.iassnorthants.co.uk/Pages/home.asx.
From 1 April 2023, further information about the North Northamptonshire SEND IASS will be available by calling 0300 373 2532, by emailing SENDIASS@northnorthants.gov.uk, or online at www.iassnorthants.co.uk/Pages/home.aspx.