Whether it is you that first raises concerns with the school, or the teacher that wants to talk to you about their observations of your child, it is most beneficial to communicate positively with them to get the best outcome. To effectively support your child in school, building a strong partnership with the school staff, particularly the class teacher and the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) is key. 

But how can you go about doing this? And what if the school has a different perspective on your child’s behaviour? SNAP’s Information Sheet - Working in Partnership with Your Child’s School can help you get started! 

For example, you can start at home by keeping a log of your child’s progress and recording anything they find particularly challenging or causes of anxiety, as well as strategies that you know help reduce this anxiety for your child. Also, think about what you are seeing at home, such as development, behaviours or their ability to carry out tasks.

If you are offered a meeting at school, make sure you feel fully prepared to get the best out of the limited time you will have. Start by looking at the school’s website and see if their policies clears anything up or can give you a starting point with what to do. Write down all your questions and everything you want to say. Be clear on what you want to achieve from the meeting. This list will help you to check that all has been covered if the discussion takes a different route.  

And during the meeting:

• Do ask for any jargon or acronyms to be explained if you do not understand them.
• Do ask for a set plan going forward so that you and the school are on the same page.
• Do not be afraid to refer to a list you prepared earlier, to make sure you don’t forget anything you wanted to say.

You can see the rest of the advice here as well as a host of information sheets covering topics just like this available here.

SNAP also produces a Summer Survival Guide! Whether you are going on trips away or staying at home, the Summer Survival Guide is packed with information, ideas and strategy suggestions to help you plan for a fun and enjoyable summer with your family. 

If you find this information helpful and would like to do something in return, why not join in SNAP’s Awareness Week from 23-29 June?! We have lots of exciting activities, volunteering opportunities and information to support your family.