Training materials for teachers of learners with severe, profound and complex learning difficulties

(e.g. Counselling / Active Listening / Family library)

1. Do you have a designated space that is labelled Parents Room? Could it be renamed to 'Family Room'?

2. What mechanisms have you made explicit for families to make contact for advice, guidance, etc.?

Rate your performance:
(perceived self evaluation)

(e.g. Workshops for different family members - sibshops, 'supporters club')

1. Do you offer workshops for families of students on your SEN Register to brief them on specific strategies they could use at home?

2. Do you offer anything specifically for 'other' family members, e.g. events for Dads or 'Sibshops' (workshops for siblings who may carry particular issues about a sibling with special needs).

Rate your performance:
(perceived self evaluation)

1. Are your Review or IEP planning meetings open to any family members with a contribution to make?

2. How inclusive is your correspondence with the home? Does it always begin 'Dear Parents', or could it be 'Dear Family Members'? Are your facilities clearly 'All Welcome'?

Rate your performance:
(perceived self evaluation)

1. Is your communication flexible and inclusive of all family members, or does it only record the names of the parents? Are the siblings or grandparents mentioned, or others who support the child? Do you know who you are communicating with?

2. Are the child's achievements recorded in a way that can be shared with the supporting family group (i.e. via a DVD of video clips or through a photo diary)?

Rate your performance:
(perceived self evaluation)

1. The family is always the richest source of information about the child. In seeking to address the child's special needs have you met with his/her key family supporters?

2. How do you sustain a two way flow of information which empowers the family in their task of supporting and caring for a child with special needs? Are you enabling a proactive partnership which builds a team-around-the-child?

Rate your performance:
(perceived self evaluation)

1. Do you have packs of resource materials available for families to use at home.

2. Is there a shared electronic forum where families can review resources, comment on initiatives or access high quality information (e.g. facts on autism, dyslexia, etc).

Rate your performance:
(perceived self evaluation)

1. Do you have a Link Family Scheme, where (with consent) families of new children with SEN are put in touch with existing families (perhaps on the basis of similar need, e.g. asthma, diabetes, dyslexia, etc).

2. Are there resources, electronic or otherwise, that families can access which deepens their insights and understanding into their child's needs?

Rate your performance:
(perceived self evaluation)

1. Does your School Policy speak of 'Partnership with Parents'? Is this an accurate reflection of practice?

2. Are there family representatives, other than parents on your Governing or Advisory groups?

Rate your performance:
(perceived self evaluation)