IASS information

How to support a child at primary school

Useful things to know, to ask and to do

Things to ask yourself

Is my child happy to go to school?

If not, ask your child why

Try and understand what’s happening so you can identify solutions and actions together

Does my child struggle with their homework?

If they do, ask their school if they run a homework club.

They may be more willing to complete the work in the school setting

Do I understand my child’s school report?

If not, ask someone at school to talk you through it

The report has valuable information about your child and understanding it will help you feel more involved in their education

Does their teacher keep saying "they have not had a good day”?

If they do, ask to speak to their teacher to find out what’s causing this.

Together you can agree how you can all work together to support your child

Do I have concerns about my child's learning or progress?

If so, ask to speak to their teacher. Try to make an appointment rather than trying to speak to them in the school playground

Go to parent’s evenings These are useful times to find out more about how things are going at school.

What schools can do

Primary schools are able to use their own money and resources (called SEN Support) to provide:

Help with your child's learning

Small groups for specific topics, such as literacy, maths and more

A reading intervention programme

Using visual prompts such as visual timetables, now and next boards, and other visual aids

Practical aids to help with writing, such as pencil grips, writing slope, coloured paper and more

Reading through coloured overlays, printing handouts and more

Help with

your

child's social skills

Lunchtime clubs, such as Lego, friendship, gardening, choir and more

Using friendship and social skills groups

Adult structured or adult directed play during break times

Using a buddy scheme to identity playground mentors or buddies from older children

Help with your child's emotions and behaviour

Therapy and support, such as play therapy, counselling and more

Using tools to communicate feelings, such as the 5-point scale, emotions boards and more

Offering fidget toys, time out card, or an attachment object

Schools

Educational

Speech

Clinical

Behavioural

Social

Health

Inclusion