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Writer's pictureReah Coo

The Power of Parental Inclusion in SEN Meeting

Updated: Nov 14, 2023

A parent's active participation in SEN meetings is essential. Their insights, concerns, and opinions are invaluable in ensuring that their child receives the best possible support and education.


Highlights

 

What is a SEN Meeting?

A SEN Meeting stands for (Special educational needs meetings).


To all our Inspired SEN parents, carers and guardians of amazing children with special educational needs! Having chaired and been a part of countless SEN meetings over the years, I want you to know the vital role you play in your child's journey.


Specifically, I'd like to stress the importance of you being and feeling included in professionals' special educational needs meetings for your child.


I cannot emphasise enough how essential your active participation is in these meetings. Your insights, concerns, and opinions are invaluable in ensuring that your child receives the best possible support and education.


Let's dive deeper into why your involvement is crucial before we explore some top tips to make these meetings as effective as possible.

 

Why Parental Inclusion Matters


As a parent, Your Unique Perspective matters. You know your child better than anyone else. You understand their strengths, challenges, and unique needs in a way that no professional can (especially when they have met your child once or twice). Your insights can help shape the strategies and interventions that will benefit your child the most.

Being part of these meetings Empowers You as a parent. It allows you to actively participate in decisions about your child's education and support. When you feel involved, you are more likely to feel confident about the choices being made and able to challenge decisions if you are unsure they are the best for your child’s outcomes.


Your presence at meetings encourages Improved Communication between you and the professionals involved in your child's education. It fosters a collaborative atmosphere where everyone can share ideas and concerns openly.


Accountability is essential on your special educational needs journey. Your involvement helps hold the professionals accountable for the services and support promised to your child. It ensures that your child's needs remain a priority.


This is why your inclusion is vital, so let's move on to our practical tips to make the most of these meetings and keep your child’s outcomes as the main focus.

 


7 Ways to Equip Yourself for SEN meetings

  1. Take Notes: Meetings can be overwhelming, and it's easy to forget important details. Bring a notepad and jot down key points, decisions, and action items. This will help you stay organised and remember what was discussed.

  2. Ask for Time to Consider Your Response: Don't feel pressured to make decisions on the spot. If you need time to think about a proposal or plan, ask for it. Professionals should respect your need for reflection.

  3. Speak Up If You Are Unsure or Unhappy: Your voice matters. If you don't understand something or are unhappy with a decision, express your concerns politely but firmly. Remember, you are advocating for your child's best interests.

  4. Bring Questions to Ask: Prepare a list of questions before the meeting. This ensures that you cover all your concerns and gather the information you need.

See our 'Questions to ask your child's SENCo' free download. This will give you a good starting point for questions you can ask in these meeting.

  1. Invite SENDIAS for Support: Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information, Advice, and Support Services (SENDIAS) can offer guidance and advocacy during meetings. Don't hesitate to invite them if you're unsure about the process or your child's rights.

  2. Collaborate and Stay Positive: Approach meetings with a collaborative mindset. Everyone in the room should have the best interests of child at the heart of what they do. Working together and staying positive, can you achieve better outcomes for your child.

  3. Follow Up: After the meeting, stay engaged in your child's education. Don’t just assume what has been said is being done. Follow up on action items and monitor progress. Your ongoing involvement ensures that plans are implemented efficiently and effectively.


In conclusion, your active involvement in special educational needs meetings is essential. Your insights, questions, and advocacy can make a significant difference in your child's educational journey.


Embrace your role, be well-prepared, and never hesitate to speak up for what your child needs. We must ensure every child receives the support they deserve and that parents are heard along the way.


Check out our free download of the most common 'SEN Acronyms and Abbreviations' used in SEN professionals' meetings. Make sure you are equipped and don’t feel overwhelmed by SEN jargon.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some possible questions I could ask in a SEN Meeting for my child?

Here are five questions that parents of children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) might consider asking during a SEN meeting about their child:


1. What is the current assessment of my child's ability? Especially English- reading and writing, and maths.

- Parents can seek an update on their child's progress, including any recent evaluations or assessments that highlight their abilities and areas that may need additional support.


2. What specific goals and objectives are in place for my child's education?

- It's essential for parents to understand the specific goals and targets set for their child's education, including any accommodations or modifications to the curriculum.


3. What strategies or interventions are being used to support my child's learning and development?

- Parents can inquire about the teaching methods, assistive technologies, or specialised services being provided to address their child's unique needs.


4. How can I stay actively involved in my child's education and support them at home?

- Parents often want guidance on how they can reinforce learning and provide emotional support outside of school. Asking this question encourages collaboration between home and school.


5. What is the plan for reviewing and adjusting my child's Individualised Education Program (IEP) or support plan?

- Parents should inquire about the timeline for reviewing and making changes to their child's IEP or support plan, ensuring it remains responsive to their evolving needs.

What is the SEN Code of Practice?


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