ABSTRACT
Establishing constructive working relationships with parents is a key element of meeting the educational needs of all children but it is particularly important for those children with SEN. This is because parents of children with SEN are likely to require greater support and guidance than many other parents and also because there are many ways in which such parents can help teachers to provide the most effective education for their children. This chapter considers what teachers need to know and do in order to work in partnership with parents. First, a model for understanding different aspects of parental involvement is presented. Then, various strategies which teachers can use to establish and maintain effective communication with parents is described. This is followed by suggestions for facilitating parental involvement in assessments and reviews of progress. The final section of the chapter focuses on the listening skills, counselling skills and assertion skills which teachers need to develop in order to work effectively with parents.
