Write down the pattern
List dates, incidents, attendance, behaviour points, exclusions, learning concerns, anxiety and what the child says is happening.
Family and SEND support
Support for children and parents
Clear first steps for school concerns, special educational needs, childcare, family support and safeguarding.
School concerns
When a child is struggling at school
Ask for a meeting
Contact the form tutor, head of year or class teacher. For additional needs, ask for the SENCO to attend.
Agree specific actions
Ask for named adjustments, who is responsible, when they start and a review date. Request written notes or send your own summary after the meeting.
Escalate calmly
If the plan is not followed, use the school complaints process and keep the local authority or academy trust route in mind.
Example meeting request
“I am concerned about a repeated pattern involving [brief details]. Please arrange a meeting with the relevant teacher and SENCO. I would like us to agree immediate support, how incidents will be recorded and a review date.”
SEND
Special educational needs and disabilities
Speak to the SENCO
Ask what needs have been identified, what SEN support is in place and how progress is being measured.
Collect evidence from all settings
Keep school reports, behaviour records, medical letters, therapy reports and examples of how needs affect home and learning.
Use the graduated approach
Ask what assess–plan–do–review cycle is being followed and when support will be reviewed.
Consider an EHC needs assessment
Where needs may require support beyond ordinary school resources, ask the council about requesting an Education, Health and Care needs assessment and obtain independent SEND advice.
Childcare and activities
Find affordable, suitable support
Check funded childcare
Use the government childcare checker for available hours and tax-free childcare support.
Search local family information
Use the council’s family information or local offer directory for nurseries, childminders, youth clubs and holiday activities.
Check accessibility before booking
Ask about age, cost, SEND support, staffing, transport, meals and safeguarding arrangements.
Keep application dates
Some schemes close early. Save confirmation emails and waiting-list details.
Whole-family support
When several problems are happening together
Ask for early help
A school, GP, health visitor, family hub or council can usually explain the local early-help route.
List the priorities
Separate urgent safety, housing, money, school and health issues. Agree which professional will coordinate actions.
Consent and information
Ask what information will be shared, with whom and why. Keep copies of plans and assessments.
Review progress
Request a date to review whether actions have happened and whether further assessment is needed.
Concern that a child is in immediate danger?Call 999. For a non-immediate safeguarding concern, contact the child’s local council children’s services or the NSPCC.