Building partnerships - roles and responsibilities
All partners have an important role to play in helping your child or young person to reach their full potential. Find out about the different roles and responsibilities of each partner.
All partners have an important role to play in identifying positive and constructive relationships (including the school, the local authority, outside agencies and parents).
So, what roles and responsibilities should we expect of ourselves (as parents), from teachers, schools and the local authority?
Statutory expectations
- All school staff have an important role to play in developing positive and constructive relationships with parents.
- Schools should accept and value the contribution of parents and encourage their participation. Every effort should be made to identify how parents prefer to work with schools, with the recognition that some families will require both practical help and emotional support if they are to play a key role in the education of their children.
- Schools should seek to develop partnerships with local parent support groups or voluntary organisations to help this process.
School policy on meeting 'Additional Learning Needs'.
Schools need to have policies that show:
- How they identify pupils with Additional Learning Needs and ensure that their needs are met.
- How they ensure that pupils with Additional Learning Needs join in with all the activities of the school.
- How they ensure that all learners make the best possible progress.
- How they ensure that parents are informed of their child's Additional Learning Needs (and the provision for them); and that there is effective communication between parents and the school.
- How they ensure that learners express their views and are fully involved in decisions that affect their education.
- How they promote effective partnerships and involve outside agencies when appropriate.
- Schools must have regard to the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice for Wales (to be replaced by the ALN Code of Practice).
The school governing body
A school's governing body helps to formulate school policy. Read about how the governing body works in collaboration with the headteacher to ensure that children with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) are supported fully at school.
The school headteacher and school staff
The headteacher is the most senior teacher at a school and is responsible for the education of all pupils. Learn about the headteacher's responsibilities with regard to supporting children with Additional Learning Needs (ALN).
The Additional Learning Needs Co-ordinator
Each school has a designated Additional Learning Needs Co-ordinator (ALNCo) who plays a key role in Additional Learning Needs (ALN) policy and provision. Find out how the ALNCo advises and supports other members of staff.
The role of the local authority
The local authority is responsible for providing guidance to schools and other education settings about their statutory duties to promote high standards of education for all children.
The role of parents and carers
Parents and carers have unique knowledge and experience to contribute to the shared understanding of a child's needs and the best ways of supporting them. Learn more about the important role you play as a parent.
Building relationships with professionals
Strong partnerships between parents and teachers are crucial to promoting a child's development.
The role of a parental supporter
Parents may feel overwhelmed when dealing with their child's Additional Learning Needs (ALN). In this situation, a parental supporter may be able to help.