Working together with parents/carers, children and young people around all aspects of SEND is vital, from the earliest point.
"It's all about listening to parents and giving you a chance to talk about your child…" (Bury parent)
It is essential that young people and families are involved in and supported with planning and decision-making and are well informed about provisions and approaches used in schools.
Please see the section on Co-production of policies.
The central importance of working together with children, young people and families is highlighted in the Children and Families Act and SEND Code of Practice, and explored in more detail through the following sections.
'Planning should start with the individual and local authorities must have regard to the views, wishes and feelings of the child, child’s parent or young person, their aspirations, the outcomes they wish to seek and the support they need to achieve them.' (SEND Code of Practice, 2015, p. 147).
Pupil support plans or IEPs can have outcomes which are based on the aspirations of children and families. It is important to identify children’s/young people’s and parent/carer’s aspirations at the start of your support planning process.
Building relationships
Good communication and information-sharing systems
Raising initial concerns and supporting parents/carers’ understanding of SEND
Holding supportive meetings
Participation, co-production and person-centred planning
