Page 29 - PSPS: A Training guide

Main Takeaways
When we really understand families, we can really help children to enjoy a meaningful
and supported transition.

While families can be diverse and complex structures, understanding their culture,
family dynamics, values, socio-economic background, communication styles and the
intersectionality of all these factors, means that we can see the child in context.

Understanding families also helps educators to identify children’s specific needs and
in order to meet those needs, a number of things can be undertaken, including:

Modelling and promoting high-quality communication

Conducting or taking part in orientation sessions

Keeping in mind that support can take many forms

Ensuring resources are adequate and available

Making transition plans for children with SEN

Advocating for an open-door policy that welcomes all children and their families

‘This may be the completely wrong thing to say but I used to really shy away from
communicating with families outside of parent-teacher meetings. I think I was always
worried about saying the wrong thing. But then I did some training on transitions and
had a lightbulb moment when I realised I can’t know everything, nobody can. So now I
ask parents about what I don’t know……I might ask about where at home their son does
his homework so I can get a picture of how he learns at home. Or about a recent
bereavement and what they want me to say or do when their daughter brings it up
in class. It’s better for the child and to be honest, it has made my job easier too’

(Frasier, primary school teacher)