Working with Uncooperative & Hostile Parents

Course introduction

The Working with Uncooperative & Hostile Parents training course is designed to support and skill-up school staff and practitioners who support children/young people whose parents can be uncooperative, avoidant, hostile and aggressive. The training will use a wide range of learning techniques including scenarios, experiential learning, and exercises and sharing of experiences. Participants will leave the course with information, strategies, techniques to effectively work with difficult parents.

What we will cover throughout the day

• Understand why some parents can display uncooperative, avoidant, hostile and aggressive behaviour;

• Practice ways to respond to difficult behaviour;

• Look at ways to deal with aggression and hostility;

• Understand what disguised compliance is and ways to identify and counteract;

• Look at effective conversations;

• Plan for persuasive discussions and to make sure that parents feel listened to, even in the most difficult of circumstances;

• Prepare for the interaction and stay responsive not reactive during difficult moments;

• Understand how to ensure that the parents feel listened to and taking their point of view into consideration;

• Look at ways to create voluntary collaboration, cooperation or compliance;

• Discuss ways to keep yourself safe;

• Leave with practical solutions to use in day-to-day practice.

Target audience

Aimed at anyone who works directly or indirectly with parents and families who want to develop greater confidence and skills. Ideal for school-based staff including head teachers, deputy headteacher, teachers, family support worker, designated safeguarding lead, education welfare officer, pastoral support, supervisor, SENCO, special education teacher, school support staff, school receptionist, pastoral lead teacher, local authority staff and multidisciplinary teams.

Trainers for this course

Karen Ferguson

BAEd QTS

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 disabilities 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 and condition specific training, including ASC, ADHD and Dyslexia. She has continued her own professional development throughout the years including a Masters in Education, Dyslexia, ADHD, Autism and PDA formal qualifications. She is currently working towards her Doctorate in Education.

Karen believes in a better understanding of SEND and complex needs can be achieved through information sharing and she is committed to ensure that education is developed and delivered to as many people as possible.Read more

See what others have to say about us

“Just wanted to pass on some feedback on training today: fantastic! It’s a really inspiring and supportive session: Karen is a great trainer and finally no role play a real bug especially trying to do them remotely! The session is running so smoothly and engaging and its a great atmosphere. Rapport amongst the groups is great and one of the best things was the kitkat!”

“Thoroughly enjoyed the Working with Uncooperative and Hostile Parents course held on 02 March. The trainer was very confident and knowledgeable. She delivered the course at a good pace; I didn’t feel rushed. I took away quite a few strategies and it was good to be able to talk to other professionals how have had similar experiences. A very good course to do! The resources that were sent out, were also very good. Thank you.”

“I found the course valuable and will try to adapt some of the skills that were discussed in my day-to-day practice. The break out rooms were helpful as it is always good to hear how other professionals approach a situation. Karen delivered the on-line course very well and the gesture of a snack and lunch was a welcome surprise in the pack.”

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 – 3:00 pm, however, the trainer will be available 15 minutes before and after the course times to answer any questions.
• You’ll receive mid-morning, lunch and afternoon breaks 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.