SENCOs, school leaders & class teachers are currently spending large amounts of time supporting or responding to the concerns of parents of SEN children. However, much of this support is reactive and can feel like constant firefighting.

A strategic approach to parental support is needed. Sarah Billingham, a specialist teacher with over 18 years of experience, returns to the studio to discuss ‘How can schools support parents of SEN children more effectively’.

Sarah highlights the importance of effective communication between schools and parents. Here are some key takeaways from their conversation:

1. Clear and timely communication: Helps prevent misunderstandings. Schools should proactively inform parents about the support being provided, rather than waiting for issues to arise.
2. Understanding parent perspectives: Both parents and school staff often bring their own frustrations and expectations into interactions. Recognising this can help foster a more collaborative environment.
3. Building Community: Establishing support networks for parents can alleviate feelings of isolation and empower them to engage positively with the school.
4. The importance of positive feedback: Frequent negative communication can create an adversarial atmosphere. Schools should strive to balance this by sharing positive achievements and experiences.
5. Proactive strategies: Implementing standard operating procedures for communication can streamline processes and reduce workload for staff while keeping parents informed.

I hope you find these insights valuable in improving the support provided to families of children with SEN.

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Sarah Billingham is a specialist teacher, she runs Confident Kids, 

a unique Early Years service. She equips parents, carers and practitioners with expert knowledge and the practical tools they need to offer their little people the very best communication support they can. 

Sarah has been working with children with speech and language needs for over 16 years in mainstream and specialist settings.

www.confidentkids.co

https://www.facebook.com/confidentkids.co

sarah@confidentkids.co

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