SEND IASS - Top tips for meetings factsheet

I get anxious in meetings and feel intimidated by the school. How can this be helped?

With the school's permission you can bring a friend, or one of our SEND IASS Advisers. Schools are usually fine with this. Having that emotional support may help ease your anxiety. Although school staff can seem intimidating, they are ultimately there to help support your child.

I feel like the school are trying to 'fob me off' or take advantage of my lack of knowledge. What support is available?

With our support, you can educate yourself in the duties and law that schools are bound by. Whether through conversations with our advisers or through reading our factsheets or using the IPSEA website, you can be sure that you have the knowledge to back up your concerns. The school are there to help and support your child, not to hinder their progress. Go into every meeting and interaction positively and proactively.

How do I know the school will do what they agree to?

Unfortunately, you don't, but keeping track of agreed actions and communications will give you something to refer to if you need to chase things up. That is why it is important to get everything in writing. Review meetings are also very helpful, as they provide an opportunity to discuss progress since the previous meeting and refer to those agreed actions.