ABSTRACT

In attempting to establish a positive relationship with the parents of a child with Down’s Syndrome, schools must not be surprised to be faced with parents who are wary, apprehensive, demanding or even somewhat aggressive at times. Initially, parents may seek a high level of involvement with the school and may need to check on their child’s progress on a daily basis. However, once the child has settled, an agreed programme of weekly, monthly or termly meetings should be arranged and the parents encouraged to hand over day-to-day responsibility. A home/school diary can be a useful form of communication, particularly where parents are anxious or problems are occurring.