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SEND family
Author: Karen Wilson, SEND Specialist
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Approximate reading time: 1 minute

It is widely recognised that young people and their families should be at the heart of their educational journey. The phrase “nothing about us without us” simply and powerfully reflects the need to include young people and their families in decisions that affect them. Pupil voice can provide crucial insights into the needs of young people with SEND. Parents can also provide a valuable overview of a child’s needs, strengths, and challenges. Using these insights to guide learning opportunities can enhance engagement, enjoyment and, ultimately, progress.

Tip or Idea: At times, there may be barriers to engaging with families. Aim to be flexible and creative in your approach. For example, offer a choice of in-person, telephone and/or online meetings; provide translated materials and interpreters if necessary; recognise successes as well as challenges; use open communication to help parents feel heard and valued; and acknowledge the challenges families may face and offer appropriate support.

Have you explored our Community Village programme, which supports adult ESOL learners and aids communication between families and schools?

Learning Village resource: Explore our Involving Parents article and associated Top Tips guidance to reflect on different ways to involve families in your setting.

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SEND learner using dual coding

SEND support: Dual coding - Use of visuals and words

Created: Wed 13th Nov 2024

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Tip or Idea: Start with an image and ask students to explain in their own words what they mean or flip it around and provide students with a word and ask them to draw or create their own image.

SEND support: Word finding

Created: Mon 27th Nov 2023

Learners with speech and language difficulties may find it difficult to remember words or think or the word they want to use when they are talking. 

Tip or Idea: Think of a category such as ‘animals’ or ‘things in a kitchen’ and then see how many words you can name. Each time you think of a word place a Lego piece on top of another and see how tall a tower you can build! 

SEND support: Storytelling

Created: Mon 13th Nov 2023

Learners with speech and language difficulties may find it difficult to order and sequence their ideas with a clear beginning, middle and end.

Tip or Idea: Ask your learner to tell you about something funny or exciting that they have done. Real life experiences may make it easier for them to describe.

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