One of the greatest challenges faced by SEND parents and carers is not their children’s additional needs, but the way that people and professionals react to these needs.
Parents and carers of children with SEND have voiced concerns about the way that some professionals have talked to them about their child. They feel that, at times, professionals have lacked sensitivity in their comments or have failed to fully recognise their child’s need and that this lack of empathy has resulted in their child not receiving the right support.
This survey aims to gather examples of parent/carer/professional interactions so that we can explore how these can be improved. Our analysis of these interactions will help us to create a training video for professionals which will be used across SEND health, education and social care in Bristol.
We want to ensure that, future conversations are supportive, empowering and kind, that parents get the right support for their children at the earliest opportunity and that parents, carers and professionals develop strong and productive relationships.
1. Describe a difficult interaction with a professional regarding your child
2. How could the professional have done it differently?
3. Describe a positive interaction with a professional regarding your child
4. What did the professional do right?