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.