Archive for category: News

Parents, carers, and guardians across West Northamptonshire are invited to share their views on unregistered alternative education provision as part of an engagement initiative led by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC).

The Council is developing a new commissioning framework to ensure that all alternative education setting, particularly those not registered with the Department for Education, are safe, inclusive, and tailored to meet the diverse needs of children and young people.

Unregistered alternative education provision refers to educational settings that operate outside the formal school system. These settings often support children who need a different approach to learning due to health issues, emotional challenges, or other personal circumstances.

While these provisions can offer valuable and flexible learning opportunities, they are not currently subject to the same regulations as registered schools. The Council is therefore working to introduce a framework that will provide clear guidance and standards for these settings, ensuring they are effective, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of every child.

Cllr Kathryn Shaw, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at West Northamptonshire Council, said:

“Every child deserves access to an education that supports their individual needs and helps them thrive. Alternative provision plays a vital role in this, especially for those who may not flourish in traditional school environments.

“We want to hear directly from families whose children have experience with these settings. Your insights will help us shape a framework that ensures all children receive safe, high-quality education, no matter where they learn.”

The Council is already working closely with current providers, schools, and young people with lived experience of alternative provision. As part of this engagement, WNC is seeking feedback from parents and carers to ensure the framework reflects the real-world experiences and needs of families across the area.

The survey closes at midnight on Sunday 20 July. Click here to view the survey and take part.

Once developed, the framework will set out clear standards for safeguarding, health and safety, and educational quality. Providers will be reviewed by a panel of professionals, and those meeting the standards will be included in a new directory of approved providers. These providers will then be monitored regularly to ensure continued compliance The new framework is expected to launch in 2026.

1. https://movementforgood.com/#nominateACharity Nominate us here.
2. https://forms.office.com/e/i85L7zDqqM and join us a volunteer!
3. https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/clubs-for-young-people-northamptonshire when you’ve some online shopping to do, you can raise money for us by following this link.

Join us on the 11th June
from 6pm-7:30pm
Busy Beads
will be joining us at the
Spratton Village Hall!

Summer Party
FREE DRINKS PARTY FOOD
June 25th | Wednesday | 6pm
Spratton Village Hall

Re: Advice & Information Fayre – Supporting Residents Aged 55+

I’m writing to invite you and residents of the Parish to my upcoming Advice & Information Fayre, which is tailored for individuals aged 55 and over. While the event is being held in Daventry, it is open to everyone across the constituency.

I’d be grateful if you could help spread the word by sharing the attached flyer on your noticeboards, in newsletters, or via your social media platforms. This event is especially relevant to those who are thinking about retirement or looking to stay active and connected within the community.

The aim of the Fayre is to bring together a wide range of local organisations that offer support, services, and social opportunities. So far, confirmed attendees include Futures Housing, Amplius, Daventry Leisure Centre, West Northamptonshire Pickleball, Happy @ Home, Daventry & District U3A, Age UK Northamptonshire, The Women’s Institute of Northamptonshire, Reach for Health, Northamptonshire Police, and several others.

It’s a great opportunity for residents to meet directly with these groups, ask questions, and discover what’s available locally as they plan for or settle into retirement.

Event Details:
Date: Friday 6 June 2025
Time: 10.00am – 1.00pm
Location: Southbrook Community Centre, Daventry, NN11 4JS

Complimentary tea and coffee will be available throughout the event.

If you need any more information or would like to discuss anything else I can help with, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

On Thursday, 1 May voters across West Northamptonshire will go to the polls to elect their local representatives.

The Council has today published a Statement of Persons Nominated, listing all individuals who will be standing for the West Northamptonshire Council and the Parish or Town Council seats.

Voters will go to the polls to elect West Northamptonshire Council’s councillors in the unitary authority’s second election since its creation in 2021. This year’s Polling Day on Thursday 1 May will see changes to voter arrangements after a recent electoral review reduced the number of West Northants councillors to be elected from 93 to 76 and redrew the ward boundaries across the area.

Town and parish council elections are also set to be held in some areas of West Northamptonshire on 1 May. To see a list of contested areas and candidates, please visit the council website.

Whether voting in person at a polling station, by post or by proxy (on someone’s behalf), there are some key deadlines to be aware of. If you have not registered to vote yet, the deadline to do so is Friday 11 April. It is a quick and easy process that takes just five minutes online. Register online to vote. Don’t forget too, if you have recently moved home or changed your name, you may need to update your details to ensure you can take part.

For those who prefer to vote by post, applications need to be submitted by 5pm on Monday, 14 April. Voting by post is a great option if you will be away on election day or if you would rather not visit a polling station in person. Your postal vote will be sent to you in advance, so you can fill it in and return it at your convenience. This is also the deadline to make amendments or cancel your postal vote.

If you would like someone to vote on your behalf, known as a proxy vote, the deadline to apply is 5pm on Wednesday, 23 April. If your proxy would like to vote by post, both the proxy and postal application must be received by 5pm on Monday, 14 April.

One of the biggest changes recently introduced is the requirement for photo ID when voting in person. If you do not have an accepted form of ID, such as a passport or driving licence, you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate. The deadline to apply for this is 5pm on Wednesday, 23 April. Without the correct ID, you will not be able to vote at your polling station, so make sure you are prepared.

For more information and to view the timetable of the election visit our website.