Good communication and information-sharing systems
Good communication and information-sharing systems
Good communication and information-sharing systems
Working together with parents/carers relies on having robust and varied communication systems, both formal and informal, that support regular information-sharing between home and school. Information should be shared in a way that is meaningful and accessible to children and young people and families. When this is done well, it makes a meaningful difference to families’ experiences, as this feedback from the Parent SEND group at St Thomas CE Primary highlights.
Parents/carers emphasise the importance of feeling listened to and having their concerns acknowledged, even if these concerns do not seem to fit with what is happening in school. A key element to communicating effectively with parents/carers is acknowledging that they are the 'experts' on their children. Other important considerations in supporting good communication and information-sharing between school/college staff and parents/carers are outlined in the sections on this page.
Effective ways to share information with parents/carers (general points to consider)
1.
As with all children and young people, parents/carers will have different views on ways in which they prefer to receive and share information. For some, that may be regular face-to-face contact with a key person in school/college, whilst for others, this may feel overwhelming. Parents/carers tell us that it is important to ask them what feels best for them and what support would be helpful.
2.
Building relationships and making links between home and school as early as possible is helpful – this means that any concerns can be addressed early, and transitions to new classes or settings are supported in a timely way – helping everyone feel more confident.
3.
Having regular, scheduled meetings with parents/carers, as well as informal opportunities to check in (e.g. phone calls or a quick chat at drop off/pick up time), works well. Emails, messages and positive phone calls home are well received and can make a real difference to children, young people and families!
4.
Being mindful of the language used to explain children’s and young people's needs is important. It is also important that parents/carers and children and young people are supported to understand terms and phrases that are commonly used within schools. A jargon-buster has been created, which explains key terms and job roles in SEND, that can be printed and shared with parents/carers. You can access the jargon-buster in the 'related files' section
We have also developed a resource that can be shared with parents/carers to help them feel more confident to ask questions about SEND support and provision – Questions to support conversations with SENCOs which can be accessed in the 'related files' section.