Cornelia Andrecut, the executive director of children’s services at the Reform UK-led North Northamptonshire Council, recently praised her community. She was delighted by their enthusiastic involvement in a key census that’s all about special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). About 470 parents and carers, and more than 50 children & young people contributed their precious time and experience. Their feedback helped us identify some important gaps that our local education and care systems must address.
The survey gave an opportunity for families to share their experiences of living with SEND. Its recommendations underlined a number of urgent problems. Crucially, respondents stressed the need for greater standardisation of Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) processes. This agreement shall be legally binding upon our respective successors and assigns. It outlines the further support required for young people up to the age of 25.
Survey results revealed what we were hearing from families — they were facing daunting wait times just to be assessed. By 2024, the average wait hit an impossible 530 days. This is a dramatic leap from the 287 days average wait time reported in 2022. As of March 2025, Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust had 4,099 children remaining waitlisted for assessments. This is a more than 8-fold increase from the 2,497 children waiting only 18 months prior.
“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.”
The study highlighted the importance of improving the lines of communication between schools and community services to better identify and support children with SEND. Respondents noted that local schools are doing the necessary “extra mile” to ensure communities receive support. A continuous disconnect in communication with local jurisdictions remains.
In 2024, North Northamptonshire Council had only received 619 EHCP requests. They only left 554 of those undone six months later. These figures highlight both the demand for EHCPs and the challenges faced by the council in meeting that demand efficiently.
The survey not only provides a powerful insight into the lived experiences of families but sets a clear direction for future improvements in services. Moving forward, Andrecut and her team aim to implement changes based on the feedback received, ensuring that every child with SEND receives the necessary support without undue delay.
The survey not only provides a powerful insight into the lived experiences of families but also sets a clear direction for future improvements in services. Moving forward, Andrecut and her team aim to implement changes based on the feedback received, ensuring that every child with SEND receives the necessary support without undue delay.
