Parents/carers are children’s first and most important educators, advocates and nurturers. Strong family engagement is central to promoting children's healthy development and wellbeing in, and well beyond, their early years.
Local authorities, early years providers and schools should enable parents to share their knowledge about their child and give them confidence that their views and contributions are valued and will be acted upon. (Paragraph 1.7 SEND COP)
It is important to include the views and wishes of the child and their family/carers from the start. The following may help you to do this:
Early Years detailed ‘All About Me’ document A template which can be used to document the views and wishes of the child and their family: All about me for EY settings (docx format, 21Kb)
Guidance on how to gather and include the views of a child in Early Years settings: Listening to the views of the child leaflet
Guidance on how to effectively work with parents and carers: Penn Green sharing concerns
A template which can be used when recording a child’s views: Recording the views of the child proforma
At times children and families need a bit of extra support, when that happens, the early help strengths and needs form can be used to consider the family’s strengths and needs, and if there are any other factors impacting on the child’s development. An Early help guide for families is available to explain what Early Help is and who the Locality and Community Support Service are.
Training
Effective communication and partnership with parents/carers of Early Years children with SEND. A supportive and reflective workshop aimed to give staff confidence to raise conversations with families, develop active listening skills, ensure the child and families' aspirations are central to SEND support planning, respond to challenging conversations and successfully work in partnership with parents/carers.