Parents & Carers

At Abbey School we recognise that the involvement of parents and carers in their young person’s education is central to the progress of our pupils. As such the school’s relationship with parents and carers is considered as a partnership. Parents and carers are involved in discussions about their young person’s learning and wellbeing at all stages of their time at Abbey School. There are regular formal and informal opportunities for parents and carers to engage with us as a school and to access a range of support and information. These include:

Pupil Progress Reviews

These are termly opportunities to meet with the team of staff supporting the young person concerned. Reviews are used to share progress, achievements and concerns both at home and at school. They are also an opportunity to problem solve and share information on support strategies to ensure consistency for pupils across settings.

Annual Review

This is an annual pupil-centred review of the Education Health and Care Plan. All those inputting into a young person’s education and care will form part of the review process. Progress and concerns will be considered and targets for the next stage of education set and agreed.

Home Visits

A home visit can be requested or suggested in specific circumstances in which it would benefit the pupil and family. For example, if the family are struggling with behaviour at home or if a pupil is learning how to use a new communication system across settings.

School Events

We welcome parents and carers into school at various points throughout the year to celebrate our pupils’ achievements. Examples include fairs, assemblies, sports days and Christmas events.

Home/School Communication App

Our home-school commutation app is used to pass on information between home and school on a daily basis. This communication enables key information that may be important in order to effectively support the young person that day to be communicated quickly and efficiently. For example, it is important for school staff to be aware of a lack of sleep or changes in routines at home that may be disruptive. Likewise, we recognise that many of our pupils are unable to come home and tell their family about their day, therefore, a few words about their school day is highly valued.

The App is also used for other communications with families in between more formal reviews. For example, whole-school information, important dates and personalised information about their child or young person. For example, photographs, progress reports and skills generalisation suggestions.

The home-school communication App can be downloaded and used on any smartphone or tablet device.

Testimonials

Local Authority

“I just wanted to take a minute to pass on some feedback on today’s EHCP meeting for [pupil]. I think it was the best EHCP review I have ever attended for a child! It was so lovely to see [pupil] both in the meeting and in all the photos and videos you had prepared. It was incredibly child-centred and kept us all focussed on the positive progress [pupil] is making at Abbey School. I came out of the meeting smiling and I’m sure parents did too.”

Parent of Abbey School Pupil

“I can’t believe the change in our daughter in just a few short weeks. The relief for our family is immense to be certain that she is finally in a place that truly understands her.”

Parent of Abbey School Pupil

“This is the 7th school that our son has attended and each placement has broken down. He is absolutely thriving at Abbey School and has made more progress this term than he has in the past six years.”

Parent of Abbey School Pupil

“Our son is so much happier and content since starting at Abbey School. Recently we have been able to take him and his sister out for the afternoon together. Using the strategies you have given us, he was able to wait and follow simple instructions. We can finally enjoy some time together as a family.”

Parent of Abbey School Pupil

“We are just amazed at how our daughter has changed in a few short weeks from being a very sad, angry little girl, to the calm, happy and chatty girl we see today – we can’t thank you enough!”

Parent of Abbey School Pupil

“5 star reviews all round. Thank you ever so much for supporting our child!”

Parent of Abbey School Pupil

“Thank you for making us the happiest and luckiest people to access your gorgeous, amazing school. We are very privileged and still in disbelief about how much this school is going to make a difference to our lives. We are truly blessed!”

Parent of Abbey School Pupil

“I can’t get over how much you all do for our child. Nowhere has taken all of their needs into consideration like this before and you’re all trying things to support them that nobody else has ever bothered with and you can just see how much their confidence has improved.”

Parent of Abbey School Pupil

“Our son finally has a class team around him that truly understand him.”

Parent of Abbey School Pupil

“We are absolutely delighted and proud of how our son has settled into his new environment.”

Parent of Abbey School Pupil

“Abbey school is not just a school – it’s a family who support the child and the family together.”

Parent of Abbey School Pupil

“I just say how pleased we are with everything. Your staff are amazing, our son loves them and as you know he never wants to leave. The setting is fantastic, I feel totally privileged that my son is part of your school.”

Parent of Abbey School Pupil

“Your autism experience is immense, our son is happy and safe staying at the Green and is becoming more independent. Thanks for all your hard work caring for him, as a mum this is a huge relief to know he’s got a great team around him at the Green!”