Working with Parents & Carers
At Eaves Primary School, we recognise that parents and carers know their children best. We believe that strong, positive partnerships between home and school are essential in ensuring that every child feels happy, supported and able to achieve their full potential.
For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), effective communication and collaboration are particularly important. By working together, sharing information and listening to one another, we can develop a greater understanding of each child's individual strengths, needs and aspirations.
Our commitment to Excellence in Everything means that we value the contribution of every family and strive to ensure that parents and carers feel informed, involved and supported throughout their child's learning journey.
Your Voice Matters
We recognise that parents and carers have valuable knowledge about their child's development, experiences and needs.
We encourage families to share their views, ask questions and contribute to decisions about the support their child receives.
Your experiences and insights help us to understand what works well for your child, identify any challenges and develop approaches that support their learning, confidence and wellbeing.
We believe that the best outcomes for children are achieved when families and school work together.
If You Have Concerns About Your Child
If you have concerns about your child's learning, development, communication, behaviour or emotional wellbeing, we encourage you to speak with their class teacher in the first instance.
Your child's teacher will listen to your concerns, discuss how your child is progressing in school and consider whether any additional support or adjustments may be helpful.
Where appropriate, the class teacher may involve our Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO), Mrs Bowles, to explore your child's needs further and discuss possible next steps.
You do not need to wait until a formal meeting or diagnosis to raise a concern. We welcome early conversations so that we can work together to understand and respond to children's needs.
How We Keep Parents and Carers Involved
We aim to maintain open and constructive communication with families throughout their child's time at Eaves.
Depending on individual circumstances, this may include:
Conversations with class teachers: Sharing updates about learning, progress, strengths and any emerging concerns.
SEND support reviews: Discussing individual targets, the support being provided and the progress children are making.
Meetings with our SENCO: Exploring additional needs, provision and any involvement from specialist services.
EHCP annual reviews: Working together to review progress, outcomes and the provision outlined in a child's Education, Health and Care Plan.
Sharing strategies: Discussing approaches that work well at home and in school to support consistency where appropriate.
Celebrating achievements: Recognising children's successes, developing independence and the progress they make over time.
We recognise that every family's circumstances are different and aim to communicate in ways that are clear, respectful and accessible.
Working Together Through the Graduated Approach
For children receiving SEND support, we use the graduated approach of Assess, Plan, Do and Review.
Parents and carers play an important role throughout this process.
Assess: We listen to your views and consider your child's strengths, needs and progress.
Plan: We work together to identify appropriate outcomes, support and strategies.
Do: Teachers and support staff put agreed provision into practice, with families kept informed about their child's support.
Review: We consider the impact of the support, celebrate progress and discuss any adjustments or next steps.
This ongoing cycle helps us ensure that support remains purposeful and responsive to each child's developing needs.
Listening to Children's Voices
Alongside the views of parents and carers, we recognise the importance of listening to children themselves.
We want pupils to feel that their thoughts, feelings and experiences matter.
Children may share their views through conversations, drawings, visual resources, observations or other approaches appropriate to their age and communication needs.
We aim to involve children in decisions about their learning and support, helping them develop confidence, independence and a sense of ownership.
Working with External Professionals
Sometimes, additional advice or specialist involvement may be helpful in understanding and meeting a child's needs.
Where appropriate, and with the necessary involvement of families, we work alongside relevant professionals and services to share information, consider recommendations and support a coordinated approach.
We aim to ensure that parents and carers understand the purpose of any specialist involvement and have opportunities to contribute their views.
Further information about local services and organisations can be found on our SEND Support, Advice & External Agencies page.
Supporting Families Beyond the Classroom
We understand that navigating SEND services, assessments and additional support can sometimes feel challenging.
Our SEND & Inclusion website provides information about useful local and national organisations, advice services and resources that families may wish to explore.
We encourage parents and carers to contact school if they are unsure where to find information or would like guidance about the support available.
Contacting Our SEND Team
If you would like to discuss your child's individual needs, progress or support, please speak to their class teacher in the first instance.
You can also contact our SENCO, Mrs Bowles, through the school office to arrange a conversation.
We are committed to listening carefully, working collaboratively and helping families feel confident about the support their children receive.