I know who you are, I’ve heard all about
you and I’m not going to run away and hide. I will give you the time you need
to talk to me, but it will have to be planned. I realise there is a lot you
will want to say so I want to give you a proper opportunity to speak to me, not
just a few snatched moments before or after school or in public.
I know you are a teacher and I respect your
experience. I will listen to you when you let me know about the homework being
too hard or too easy and I like the notes you write on it. It is very helpful
to see what your child is doing at home and how much help he needs. I know that
you understand the levels and the jargon and I will talk to you openly and
honestly. I will tell you quickly if there is any sort of problem where I feel
your child is not achieving as they should and not leave it until parent
consultations to spring things on you. I will also tell you when your child is
doing really well and show you things you will be proud of.
I also know that you have particular
expertise and whilst I understand you want to be a parent whilst at this school
I will ask your opinion if it is relevant. I know you know a lot about reading
for example, so if you think a particular book would be great for your child or
the class, let me know.
I do know how able your child is, even
though he has been hiding it a bit. Thank you for pointing some things out to
me because I did not know about the maths, because as you say, he has not been
taught it and therefore not used it in class. You mentioned he was reading a
particular book at home so please encourage him to bring in books to school and
to tell me about what he is reading. This term we are actually starting a
challenge group for both maths and English and I am going to put your child in those groups; I
was going to include him before you told me about all the things he can do, but
now I have even more evidence about him, it is very useful.
I completely understand about your
anxieties over your child’s health issues. I did not know anything about
Diabetes before he was in my class but I do now. I suggest you come in and we
can have a long discussion ; we can ask you
all the questions we need to ask and you can tell us all we need to know. We
will also attend training and as many of us as can be released will go. This
will ensure there is never an occasion when no-one knows what to do. I will also ensure he is not missing lessons
due to his condition and I will do this by keeping his medication in a safe
place in the classroom, so that he does not have to go anywhere to deal with
anything. I will make sure we have a good routine and if there is going to be
any change in the routine or any cooking/eating activities I will discuss it
with you first. I know the emotional aspect is hard for everyone to deal with
and we will all follow the care plan and review it frequently.
Finally I want to say we value having you as
a parent and we understand the needs of your child. All of the staff will do
everything they can to support your child right through the school.
