Primary School - SEND 

We strive for excellent outcomes for all children. We believe in inclusive practice and removing barriers to learning for all. We have high expectations and aspirations for what our children can achieve and they are at the centre of all we do. We focus on early identification of needs and integrated Early Help.  

Our specific and effective provision for children with SEND:  

• We have a whole school approach to meeting the needs of children with SEND and/or barriers to learning 

• The child’s voice and family voice is of paramount importance to us  

• We provide a supportive and inclusive environment 

• We have a strong culture of Quality First Teaching for all children 

• Early identification and assessment are embedded in our whole school approach to SEND with a clear focus on the graduated approach - Assess, Plan, Do, and Review 

• All children with SEND have a personalised pathway 

• Curriculum modifications and reasonable adjustments are made when necessary   

• The learning environment is conducive to the needs of children with SEND and is communication friendly  

If you have any questions or would like further support with regard to our primary phase SEND please contact our SENDCo Miss Cassidy mcassidy@thedustonschool.org  

The Northants Local Offer provides information for children and young people with special educational needs (SEND) and their parents/carers.  The Local Offer gives details of what services children, young people and their families can expect from a range of local agencies, including education, health and social care. For further information, please follow the link below 

Local Offer | West Northamptonshire Council   

Inclusion and Intervention Support Team (IIST) – West Northants Council 

https://www.westnorthants.gov.uk/directory/local-offer/12b3a914-3733-4055-ae3e-6937a89201dd  

 

West Northamptonshire Council’s Inclusion and Intervention Support Team (IIST) supports children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) aged 0-19 across West Northamptonshire. 

Portage and Early Years (0 to 5 Years) Support 

Early Years Support for Children: 

• From birth to the end of reception year – supporting transition effectively to school 

Early Years Support for Parents and Carers: 

• Portage home teaching 

• Play and development skills 

• Advice and signposting 

• Advice/guidance is provided at the Family Hubs by the IIST team 

 

The Early Years Offer to Parents, Carers, and Families: 

• Step 1: Parents and healthcare professionals can request support via the online form. 

• Step 2: A home visit and observation will be arranged to understand the child’s needs better. 

• Step 3: Depending on the child’s needs, a practitioner may work with you to demonstrate helpful strategies. In some cases, Portage home teaching may be offered as the most suitable support. 

• Step 4: A play assessment may be completed. 

Early Years Eligibility: 

There is no eligibility criteria, IIST will however ask you to provide evidence of the special educational need, disability, or developmental delay. 

Apply for Portage and Early Years Support: 

To request support, please complete this online request form - Request Early Years and Portage Support. 

• More information about IIST's Portage and Early Years (0 to 5 years) Support 

School Age (5-19 years) Support 

School Age Support for Children and Young People: 

• From Years 1 to 13 

School Age Support for Parents and Carers: 

• Advice/guidance is provided at the Family Hubs by the IIST team 

• Bookable drop-in sessions in community locations 

• Training to mirror school approaches 

The School Age Offer to Parents, Carers, and Families: 

• Drop-in Meetings: These will be provided at SEND parent groups and Family Hub sessions. 

• Advice and Guidance Meetings: One-off meetings can be booked once a month via Eventbrite.  

• Parent Workshops Held in Schools: If an offer of work is given or provided in schools, then a knowledge check and/or awareness training can be offered to targeted groups of parents. 

School Age Eligibility: 

There is no eligibility criteria. Every school in West Northamptonshire has been allocated a linked worker. Schools will have the opportunity to request IIST’s oversight and advice. Parents and carers can book sessions via Eventbrite. 

• More information about IIST's School Age (5-19 Years) Support 

IIST Contact Details: 

• General Enquiries: IIST@westnorthants.gov.uk 

• Early Years Manager: michelle.payne@westnorthants.gov.uk / 07912 891621 

• Early Years Manager: tia.sarmezey@westnorthants.gov.uk / 07872 148676 

• School Age Manager: rebecca.wheeler@westnorthants.gov.uk / 07342 065331 

SEND Information Advice Support Service    

https://iassnorthants.co.uk/ 

The service support children and young with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and the parents and carers in West Northants.  They provide free, impartial and confidential information, advice and support for SEND children and young people aged 0 -25 years. 

What can the service offer you? 

• * A free impartial service with independently trained staff. 

• * Someone impartial to talk to in confidence 

• * Information and support on a one-to-one basis 

• * Information about SEND Services in your local area 

• * The Local Offer 

• * Personal Budgets 

• * A straightforward explanation of SEND services and 

•   procedures 

• * Information on special educational needs and disability, 

•   health and social care 

• * Facilitate form filling 

• * Someone to assist you put forward your views 

• * Someone to attend meetings with you, when required 

The service runs a free adviceline providing advice relating to SEND related matters. 

West Northants (WNC) 

Telephone: 0300 126 1039 

Email: sendiass@westnorthants.gov.uk 

Address: Information, Advice and Support Service 
One Angel Square 
Angel Street 
Northampton 
NN1 1ED