« Previous | Contents | Next »
Listen
Consultation on the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004
Draft Code of Practice
Reference: Additional Support Needs - 02
ANNEX E
GOOD PRACTICE ON PARTNERSHIP WORKING
Preventing and resolving disagreements
Good practice should be based on a foundation of trust, respect, clarity and openness. Clear structures of support for parents and staff and good open communication should help prevent disagreements arising or escalating. A lot of work is already being done at national and local levels to promote involvement and partnership working. We need to build on this good practice. Findings from Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) include the following areas where good communication structures are in place and where parents reported positively:
- The provision of high quality information and advice to parents and education authorities through a variety of forums and groups in a range of formats and media. All education authority staff are fully aware of such services provided by the authority.
- Parents are offered opportunities to engage with independent officers with a parental advocacy role and also have access to parents' forums/groups to discuss matters of concern.
- Effective support through strong links with the voluntary sector - services are offered to parents thought which they are able to seek impartial information and advice on an authority's services.
- Greater involvements of parent and pupils in Joint Assessment Teams or School Liaison Groups. Such involvement improved communication and contributed to positive relationships between parents, pupils and staff.
- Good pupil support initiatives e.g. pupil council forums where pupils could raise complaints; circle time, use of class representatives to highlight issues; good relationships with pastoral care teachers; restorative practices e.g. buddy/peer mentoring initiatives; advocacy schemes with the voluntary sector.
- Clearly stated tiered approach for dealing with disagreements from school through to the education authority, with defined timescales for responses.
- Training for staff and parents in communication, aspects of mediation and conflict resolution skills as part of an effective partnership strategy.
- Dedicated staff members trained to deal with disagreements e.g. telephone hot lines for staff and parents; advice and conciliation services for parents and staff specialising in conflict resolution.
- The introduction of procedures for monitoring the effectiveness of arrangements for dealing with disagreements to inform quality assurance and future provision.
« Previous | Contents | Next »