Letter from Melanie Barnett - Director of Children's Services - January 2025

Dear Parent/Carers

I wanted to provide an update on some of the areas of focus that we have had within the SEND team over the last few months. I am fully aware and acknowledge the ongoing challenges that there are in terms of communication and the additional pressure that this can place on you and your families.

I also acknowledge that some of the improvements that we are making would not have had an impact on your own personal experiences. I do want to apologise to those of you where this has been the case. It is also my intention and commitment to further develop the communication channels that we have. We will be working closely with our Parent Carer Forum to ensure that we receive ongoing feedback, and that the way we communicate is accessible for all parent/carers and that we adapt as and when required. I also want to assure you that I along with the staff in the service are fully committed to making the improvements that are required. 

There are a couple of areas that I specifically want to update you on, relating to the SEND service. 

New Leadership and Staff Appointments:

Dr. Louisa Jones joined as the new Head of SEND on 6 January 2025. Additionally, three new service managers and several EHC Case Workers have been recruited since September 2024. To ensure transparency, the team will publish a monthly structure chart on the Local Offer starting in February.

Team Structure: 

The SEND service is delivering a number of updates aimed at enhancing communication and service delivery for families. The SEND team has been reorganised to better support ongoing developments. The new structure includes one assessment team and two teams dedicated to annual reviews and phase transfers. Every child or young person with an EHCP now has a named Case Worker. Parents and carers who do not have contact details for their assigned worker can email:

• Northampton: [email protected] or 
• South Northants or Daventry: [email protected]

A team member will respond within five working days to provide the necessary contact information.

Enhanced Communication Initiatives: 

In response to feedback, the SEND team is introducing phone surgeries, allowing parents and carers to book 10-minute conversations with their child’s caseworker at a mutually convenient time. This initiative aims to improve direct communication, although high demand is anticipated.

The SEND team remains committed to making necessary improvements and ensuring that communication channels are accessible and effective for all families.

Kind Regards 

Melanie Barnett

Director Children’s Services (DCS)

West Northamptonshire Council