Gaining an Understanding of the Needs of Different Families and how to Work in Partnership with Parents and Carers
Putting yourself in a parent or carer’s shoes
Download this PDF worksheet and carry out the activity…
As a wraparound provider what could do you to help your parents feel less worried?
Parents of children with disabilities often face unique challenges and concerns that can significantly impact their trust and comfort with childcare services. Addressing these anxieties not only helps in building a positive relationship with the parents but also ensures that the child receives the best possible care and support.
Some useful tips include:
Building Trust and Confidence
All parents or carers need to feel that their child will be safe, understood, and well-cared for. Acknowledge and address their concerns through effective communication and collaboration.
Ensuring Consistent and Appropriate Care and Support
Find out what a child or young person needs and work out a plan that will support them to access play and relaxation in your provision through appropriate strategies and adjustments. This ensures that the child receives consistent support that aligns with their individual requirements.
Enhancing the Child’s Well-being
Helping parents and carers to feel confident and less anxious about their child will also positively impacts the child’s emotional and psychological well-being (children are sensitive to their parents’ emotions, and a parent or carer’s anxiety can affect the child’s sense of security and comfort too).
A whole setting approach to inclusion
It is important to make sure parents/carers understand your approach to inclusion. You may find it useful to share the picture we used earlier (see below). They will have lots of their own ideas and are the experts in their children so let them tell you how to help!
Note: when you make play or support plans consider regular updates to discuss any challenges or changes to the plan.
This video shares an example of when this approach worked well:
And this video clip gives practical ideas for when it doesn’t go so well: