Working Together: 4 Practical Ways to Support Families of Children with SEND

Building Strong Partnerships: Practical Steps for Supporting Families

Schools play an important role in helping families feel supported and included. By building strong relationships and offering practical help, schools can make a meaningful difference.

Here are four simple and effective ways to strengthen support for families of pupils with SEND.

1. Create Space for Families to Connect

Families may sometimes feel isolated, especially when managing challenges like behaviour or school attendance. Creating opportunities for parents and carers to connect can help them feel less alone.

Helpful ideas include:

• Hosting informal coffee mornings or SEND meetups

• Inviting guest speakers or local services to share advice

• Providing a calm, welcoming space with refreshments

Even small sessions can grow over time. Asking families what they would find most useful is a good way to ensure the support offered is relevant and helpful.

2. Prioritise Listening and Clear Communication

Parents and carers value knowing their child is cared for and understood. Setting aside time to listen and respond thoughtfully builds trust.

You can support this by:

• Offering scheduled times for meetings or phone calls

• Using simple systems to let parents know when to expect a reply

• Keeping families updated through regular reviews of their child’s support

Families do not expect immediate answers, but knowing when and how they can share their thoughts helps them feel included.

3. Signpost to Trusted Support

Schools are not expected to have every answer, but being able to guide families to the right places is important.

What helps:

• Knowing your local area’s SEND services and Local Offer

• Having a list of impartial advice services to share with families

• Being honest when you need to find out more before giving a full response

Signposting shows families they are not alone and helps them feel more confident in the decisions they make.

4. Make Engagement Flexible and Inclusive

Families have different needs and schedules, so offering a variety of ways to connect is important.

Consider:

• Giving options for in-person, phone or video meetings

• Sharing key information in different formats or languages if needed

• Offering communication at different times where possible

Small adjustments make it easier for families to stay engaged and involved.

In Summary: Small Changes Make a Big Difference

Supporting families of pupils with SEND does not always require big changes. Often, it is the thoughtful, consistent actions that matter most.

By focusing on listening, sharing clear information and offering flexible support, schools can help families feel part of the team around their child.