[senco-forum] boosting parents confidence

good idea!and thanks for responding so promptly!
Luisa

Date: Fri, 28 Dec 2007 15:57:34 +0000From: amandavh at btinternet.comSubject: Re: [senco-forum] boosting parents confidenceTo: luisapinnell at hotmail.com
Don't feel sad about asking those of us sad enough to be accessing e-mail as an excuse to get away from Christmas!!
I have had some expererience of things like this as we have to send all our pupils to college at 16.
If I was in the same situation, I think I would make transition the major aim of the next few months.  I'd ask my Connexions advisor to help to set up a programme of visits and taster days at college, with her arranging everything 'to help the transition'.  That way, dad has to deal with Connexions himself (helps him to deal with the change too).  It also makes it clear that school is preparing for the transition as well.
Good luck!
Amanda
Secondary SENCO
Cornwall
Hiding from the family in peace for a bit, with chocolate!Luisa Pinnell <luisapinnell at hotmail.com> wrote:
I know this is really sad-Christmas Holidays and here we are working or thinking about work! In my case, I am fretting about a couple of annual reviews in the beginning of January-one in particular. This Year 11 pupil has made a lot of progress, been entered for a number of GCSEs, but the father is so over protective.. Pupil has never travelled by public transport, never been out alone, although perfectly capable and sensible. Father exaggerates what he sees as physical disabilities (slightly poor balance, which does not affect this young person's mobility in the least), organises everything for the pupil who,at 16, has no autonomy. His aspirations for this youngster include' going to college and leading an independent life', yet he fails to understand that independence is not acquired overnight by some quirk of nature, it has to be learnt and encouraged. I know that he only wants the best for his child, he is very caring and he obviously thinks he is doing his duty as a father. He is not the easiest person to talk to. I usually tackle this sort of person with calm and patience but sometimes I wonder if I should change this approach, as I have seen colleagues use a 'no-nonsense' attitude with success. Everybody has their weak points and my particular one is that I always try to avoid arguments....The trouble is, he always tries to blame the school for something or other and I know that he is going to complain because in his view, his child should have 1-1 support at all times. He feels guilty for what he sees as his child's disadvantages/disabilities, and one of the ways of coping with it is trying to blame other people. I would like to make him feel more confident and help him to 'let go'.I would be grateful for any views/opinions on this matterLuisa_________________________________________________________________Telly addicts unite!http://www.searchgamesbox.com/tvtown.shtmlAmandaSecondary SENCOCornwall
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