True Partnerships in SEND

Drawing from first-hand discussions and interviews, this essential guide offers an in-depth, realistic overview of bringing up a child with complex and specific needs to enhance current practice and collaborative work with parents. This book supports the development of effective child-centred planning and family-centred approaches, by using the expert voices and lived experiences of parents to inform critical discussion and build the skills of professionals. Chapters provide strategies, guidance and suggestions to strengthen effective partnership work with parents, children and young people. Scenarios, key takeaways and questions for discussion are also woven throughout, offering a greater understanding of the barriers faced by parents of children with SEND and encouraging the reader to consider how they can more effectively co-produce with families. True Partnerships in SEND uses the voice of the parent and their lived experiences as the basis for narrative, research and discussion and includes wider concepts that can inform positive parent-professional interactions globally. It will be essential reading for SENCOs, teachers and other education professionals working with children with SEND and their families.

Heather Green spent 20 years as a Primary Teacher and set up a specialist resourced provision for pupils with difficulties in accessing a mainstream curriculum. She was also SENCO, Assistant Headteacher and a Specialist Leader in Education (SLE) in SEND. Heather is now sharing her experiences of working in partnerships with families and professionals as a Senior Lecturer at the University of Chichester, UK. Becky Edwards is a Senior Lecturer in Childhood Studies at the University of Chichester, UK. She is an award-winning children's Author and Co-founder of the Parent and Carers Support Organisation (PACSO). As a Primary School Teacher, Becky has taught autistic children, been an early years SENCO and used her understanding of partnership working to run a children's centre.

Acknowledgements List of Figures List of Tables Contributors Introduction Chapter 1 - The Importance of Parental Engagement. by Brian Lamb Chapter 2 - Models of Disability: The Great Debate Chapter 3 - SEND Legislation, Parental Engagement and Co-production. by Brian Lamb Chapter 4 - Relevant Theories and Concepts Chapter 5 - Making Co-production Work Chapter 6 - Transitions Chapter 7 - Chronic Sorrow Chapter 8 - Resilience: Magic Bullet; Buzz Word, or Something Else? by Chris Smethurst Chapter 9 - True Partnerships, Can They Work? Imagining True Partnerships Index