Northamptonshire project

North and West Northamptonshire Local Authorities together with Northamptonshire Integrated Care Partnership have commissioned Better Communication CIC to undertake an analysis of the speech, language and communication needs of the children and young people (0-25 years) of Northamptonshire using the Balanced System® framework.  

To complete the needs analysis, associates of Better Communication CIC are seeking to engage and consult with a wide range of stakeholders across the Northamptonshire systems including therapy services; local authority teams; schools and settings; third sector organisations; parents and carers; and children and young people. 

Consultation will be carried out in a variety of ways including meetings, focus groups and surveys.  The purpose is to understand the Northamptonshire system and specifically:

• who is supporting outcomes for speech, language and communication
• what is currently working well
• challenges within the system
• aspirations to best support children and young people

As part of this process, you may be asked to meet and share information with Better Communication CIC associates; attend online focus groups or events; participate in completing and sharing surveys with colleagues and communities. 

More information about The Balanced System® can be found here.

This web page will provide an overview of the project as it progresses, links to key consultation surveys or events, and a place to publish updates as the work progresses.

Project Timeline

March 2023 - April 2023  Understand Phase 1: Population Needs SLT provider data re: caseloads, workforce, finance Wider system data re: workforce, finance

April 2023 - May 2023 Understand Phase 2: Qualitative descriptive data collection - mapping onto The Balanced System five strands and three levels Stakeholder engagement via online consultation surveys and online focus groups Wider stakeholder mapping

June 2023 - July 2023  Understand Phase 3:   Follow up of data gaps  Follow up key lines of enquiry Analysis and first findings Final Report July/August 2023

Stakeholder engagement throughout the journey

We have already begun to work with commissioners and children's speech and language therapy providers. We are in the process of seeking the views of parents and carers, schools, settings and FE, wider professional colleagues across education, health and social care.  The links below will direct you to specific surveys or opportunities to complete an online survey and book to join online consultation events.  

This information will be updated regularly so do come back to visit!