In this blog we are looking at schooling for your child, who may or may not have a diagnosis of a SEND
The 2015 SEND code of practice states
“Parents know their children best and it is important that all professionals listen and understand when parents express concerns about their child’s development. They should also listen to and address any concerns raised by children and young people themselves. (6.20)
Where a pupil is receiving SEN support, schools should talk to parents regularly to set clear outcomes and review progress towards them, discuss the activities and support that will help achieve them, and identify the responsibilities of the parent, the pupil and the school. Schools should meet parents at least three times each year. (6.65)
These discussions will need to allow sufficient time to explore the parents’ views and to plan effectively. (6.69)
The views of the pupil should be included in these discussions. This could be through involving the pupil in all or part of the discussion itself, or gathering their views as part of the preparation. (6.70)”
Parent/carers and schools should work together – Good communications is key.
Things parent/carers can do;
- Keep a note of the things you would like to discuss with the school.
- Email the school and ask for a meeting with the class teacher and Senco. Tell them in this email what you would like to talk about, so they can find out answers and tell you in the meeting.
- Make sure the date and time is suitable for you, and your children are not around to over hear what is being said about them.
- Before going to the meeting. It’s always good to hear and make a note of the child’s point of view. Sit down with your child and ask them, what is going well at school? What do they find tricky? What do they think the teachers could do to help/ support them? Children could write a letter to the teacher, draw pictures or you scribe down what they say. Making sure it’s the child’s own words.
- Go in to the meeting with a note pad of the things you would like to talk about and the child’s comments.
- Take someone with you who can support you.
Ask the school what they are putting in place to help your child. - What you can do at home to support your child.
- At the end of the meeting ask them to email you the agreed actions.
- Before leaving set another meeting date to review how things have been going.
For further information check out these links;
Working with school – Suffolk SENDIASS
Communicating with teachers – Autability
Parents And Carers Together – PACT
