If your child has a Special Educational Need or Disability (SEND), school can sometimes feel like an uphill climb; for them and for you. From navigating support systems to making sure their strengths are recognised, it’s not always straightforward.
The good news? With the right approach and a strong partnership between home and school, children with SEND can flourish. Here are seven practical ways to support your child’s journey.
1. Work as a team with the school
Your child spends a huge part of their week at school, so building trust and open communication with teachers is essential. Share what you know about your child; their likes, dislikes, triggers, and strengths. Teachers want to understand, but they can’t see everything.
Regular catch-ups, even if they’re brief, can help you stay on the same page and nip issues in the bud. Remember, when parents and teachers pull in the same direction, children feel it.
2. Celebrate individuality
No child is defined by a diagnosis. Labels can be useful for securing support, but they don’t tell the whole story. Every child has their own personality, quirks, and talents.
If you notice your child being boxed in by assumptions, speak up. Remind staff (and sometimes even yourself) that your child is unique, and should be treated that way.
3. Build on their passions
Every child has something that lights them up! Whether it’s drawing, Minecraft, animals, or sport. These passions aren’t distractions; they can be powerful learning tools.
Encourage teachers to weave your child’s interests into lessons where possible. At home, join in with their hobbies, read around the topic, or find ways to use their passions to practise new skills. Confidence grows when children feel seen and valued.
4. Explore extra support if needed
If your child is still struggling despite classroom adjustments, it may be time to look at extra help. That could mean more one-to-one support in lessons, input from specialists, or applying for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
An EHCP sets out your child’s needs and the support they’re entitled to. It can feel daunting, but many families find it brings much-needed clarity and consistency. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek advice, and push for what your child needs.
5. Take care of yourself too
It’s easy to put all your energy into fighting for your child and forget your own needs. But supporting a child with SEND can be demanding, and burnout helps no one.
Find little moments to recharge; whether that’s grabbing a coffee with a friend, exercising, or even just five minutes with a book. And if possible, take someone with you to school meetings for moral support. You don’t have to carry it all alone.
6. Recognise good days and tough days
Children with SEND often have fluctuating energy and ability. Something that feels manageable one day might be overwhelming the next.
Rather than seeing this as “inconsistency,” try to see it as part of who they are. Set clear boundaries, but also remember they’re doing their best. Meeting your child with patience helps keep the whole family calmer.
7. Don’t forget the fun
Amid meetings, forms, and worries about the future, it’s easy to forget the joy of just being together. Play, laughter, and family time are just as important as any school lesson.
Whether it’s a game in the garden, a trip to the park, or a relaxed family meal, those moments of connection help children feel safe and loved. And that foundation of love is what really helps them thrive.
Final thoughts
Supporting a child with SEND at school isn’t always simple. But with open communication, a focus on their strengths, and a commitment to balance, your child can find their place and succeed.
And remember: you’re not just raising a child with additional needs. You’re raising your child — a unique, brilliant little person who deserves to be celebrated for exactly who they are.
