When a child has additional or Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), strong collaboration between parents and teachers can make a powerful difference. Children thrive when the adults around them share understanding, communicate openly and work towards the same goals. A true partnership helps ensure support is consistent, practical and tailored tothe child’s individual needs.
Open and honest communication is the foundation of effective support. Parents know their child best, while teachers bring professional insight and classroom experience and should know how your child responds in this setting. Regular conversations - whether through meetings, emails or home-school diaries - help everyone stay informed about what is working well and what may need adjusting.Sharing small observations, not just concerns, can be incredibly valuable. If something supports your child at home, let the teacher know; equally, classroom strategies can often be adapted for use at home.
It’s also important for parents to understand the support in place. Ask about your child’s SEN Support plan or Education,Health and Care Plan (EHCP) if they have one, and how targets are being worked on in school. When parents understand these goals, they can reinforce them athome in realistic, low-pressure ways. Consistency between school and home helps children feel secure and confident.
Reading deserves special attention as it underpins learning across the curriculum and can be particularly challenging for children with SEND. Parents and teachers can work together to find approaches that make reading accessible and enjoyable. This might include using decodable books, audiobooks, visual supports or assistive technology. At home, short and regular reading sessions are often more effective than longer ones, especially for children who tire easily. Teachers should suggest suitable texts or strategies, while parents can share which formats or topics spark their child’s interest. Celebrating effort, not just accuracy, helps build confidence and motivation.
Another key element is advocacy and emotional support. Parents should feel empowered to ask questions and raise concerns, while teachers can guide families towards additional services or resources if needed. A child’s emotional wellbeing is as if not more important than their academic progress, and a united approach helps children feel understood and supported.
Ultimately, supporting a child with SEND is a shared journey. When parents and teachers listen to each other, respect each other’s expertise and keep the child at the centre of every decision, children are far more likely to feel confident, capable and ready to learn.