SEND IASS - Top tips for meetings factsheet

During the meeting you should:

• ask if anyone will be taking notes and whether these can be shared
• be realistic - remember, you could be frustrated at something much greater than what the school and or the LA can control
• don't be afraid to ask questions or for clarifications of terms or abbreviations
• remember that everyone at the meeting is there to support your child
• stay focused on the needs and provision for your child or young person
• go through your list of points and questions with the school and tick them off as they are dealt with.
• begin with points which you think will be easily agreed and if you do not reach agreement on some points, it may be worth coming back to them at the end
• be prepared to negotiate
• allow yourself to be engaged in active listening and be clear on what is being said
• allow yourself time to pause and take deep breaths - if you get upset, ask for a time out whilst you leave the room and compose yourself before returning to the meeting
• before you finish, check if you have covered all the points and questions made in your notes
• ensure that any agreed actions are recorded with who is responsible for carrying them out and think how and when will these be reviewed?
• if necessary, arrange a date for a review meeting