Target audience:
Setting SENCOs
Course outline:
To support you in developing effective communication with parents of children with SEND, this session will provide opportunity to explore the key features of effective communication between setting SENCOs and parents. Consideration will be given to the importance of early communication within the context of settings’ statutory duties in relation to early identification. The session will also outline common factors to consider when talking with parents of children with SEND as well as providing you with practical suggestions of when and how to discuss these concerns. The session will enable you to consider how you can develop your own communication with parents in ways that can promote effective, collaborative and sensitive interactions with parents, both at the earliest point of identification as well as throughout the assess, plan, do and review cycle of SEN Support.
Course objectives:
This session will aim to cover:
• The importance of communicating with parents at the earliest point of identification of SEND
• Awareness of factors common to parents of children with SEND to consider in communications with parents
• Identifying appropriate points at which to have discussions with parents about concerns about children’s progress
• Practical advice on how to develop effective listening skills when talking with parents
• Tips and useful ways of speaking with parents to promote effective communication
• Common scenarios when communicating with parents of children with SEND and suggestions of how to respond and move discussions forward
• Sources of support available to parents via the Hounslow Local Offer and national organisations
Course outcomes:
Setting SENCOs will have:
• Increased understanding of why it is important to have discussions at the earliest point of identification of need
• Understanding of some common factors experienced by parents of children with SEND and how to be sensitive to these in communications
• Ability to identify when to initiate discussions with parents about concerns about children’s progress
• Awareness of good effective listening skills and confidence in using these in everyday situations with parents
• Practical ideas to try when communicating with parents
• Knowledge of how to respond and move discussion forward in specific situations when communicating with parents of children with SEND
• Knowledge of sources of support to signpost parents to via the Hounslow Local Offer as well as through national agencies
Date Thursday 15 May 2025
Time 9.30am – 11.30am
Platform Microsoft Teams - This course is being delivered via Microsoft teams. Please ensure your device is compatible. We recommend you access this through a computer or laptop for the best experience.
Cost £15 per delegate
Facilitator Early Years SEN Team
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