Strategic Ways to Work with Parents to Improve Attendance: With Consideration for our SEND/ALN Pupils

Course introduction

This course provides a comprehensive approach to improving pupil attendance by strategically engaging with parents, with a focus on SEND/ALN pupils. Participants will explore the various challenges involved in reaching out to parents and building meaningful partnerships to support attendance. We will delve into the complexities of communication, the influence of motivation, and the barriers that may hinder parental involvement.

What we will cover throughout the day

• Understand the complex challenges affecting pupil attendance, including socio-economic, emotional, and logistical factors, with a focus on SEND/ALN pupils;

• Explore the role of motivation both intrinsic and extrinsic and how it impacts attendance, learning how to leverage this understanding to support parents;

• Learn effective communication techniques for building trust with parents, including active listening and positive conversations to overcome resistance and encourage collaboration;

• Discuss legal guidelines when managing the attendance of SEND/ALN pupils and how to ensure compliance while addressing their unique needs;

• Identify key barriers to attendance, such as family dynamics, transportation, and health issues, and explore practical strategies to support both parents and pupils in overcoming these obstacles.

Target audience

Trainers for this course

Karen Ferguson

BSc (Hons), QTS, MEd, MA

Karen is currently working part-time in a mainstream Primary School as SENDCO, while the remaining part of her week is spent supporting and training. Karen started teaching science at a... mainstream secondary school in 2000 but moved into the SEND environment, working with children and parents to help them overcome their barriers to education to give them the skills to achieve their full potential. The majority of her training was on the job, which showed the need for training in this area. She was appointed as a Specialist Leader in Education for Autism, and this allowed her to disseminate good practice and deliver training in the field of SEND. Karen offers various SEND, Neurodivergent and condition specific training, including Autism, ADHD and Dyslexia. She has continued her professional development throughout the years, including a Master in Arts, Master in Education, Dyslexia, ADHD, Autism and PDA formal qualifications. She is currently working towards her NPQSEN. Karen believes that a better understanding of SEND, Neurodivergence and complex needs can be achieved through information sharing, and she is committed to ensuring that education is developed and delivered to as many people as possible.Read more

See what others have to say about us

Karen was brilliant, training has been informative and interactive throughout, really good

Great informative session. I have attended many course with NSMTC and they are great!

Making me think a lot about our school and how we can improve our provision for our children. Karen is very informative and a good balance of information and discussion.

About the venue

Stay at home, get comfortable and enjoy our live interactive course via Zoom! You’ll receive the link a few days before the course date so you can get prepared (and excited) ahead of time.

Handy course logistics

• The course will run via Zoom from 9:30 am – 12:30 pm, however, the trainer will be available 15 minutes before and after the course times to answer any questions.
• You’ll receive mid-morning break to re-energise.
• This course is designed to be interactive and inclusive. We welcome questions and discussions throughout and we want you to be comfortable and stress-free no matter where you join us from!
• Your course pack includes handouts, an M&S voucher for food, a snack, a pen and a notepad – we’ll send this to you before the day. Please note this is only for UK-based participants, international attendees will receive the pack via email.
• Additional links and information will be emailed to you before and during the course.
• This course is also available as an in-house / INSET training session at your school. Contact us for details.
• Please Note – the cost is per person
• Please note – the early bird rate of £185+ VAT ends 28 days prior to the course date, after this the standard rate of £215+VAT will be charged.