28/11/2025
FREE ADVICE
If your child is struggling with school attendance, ranging issues or you're concerned in any way, definitely keep the school informed. Communication and achievable goals make a real difference.
Here's a few tips to get the assistance you're after.
When arranging meetings with teachers or staff, try to pre-arrange them whenever possible. Nothing is more disruptive than unexpected visits right before class, especially with a quick "just one question." Teachers are often immersed in admin, planning, meetings, and other commitments, so giving notice makes it easier and allows more dedicated time.
So, suggestions for a meeting to address concerns.
1. Request a support plan for the school moving forward, so your child feels safe and supported.
2. Request a wellbeing pass and a designated area to access when using this wellbeing pass. Be mindful that obviously age and circumstances can make this tricky.
3. Establish a designated meeting point:
Request they implement a clear and consistent location for the student to connect with a designated staff member (e.g, level coordinator, teacher, wellbeing staff) before school and break times. This aims to provide a predictable and secure environment to ease the student's transition into the school day and build confidence in readily available support.
4. Request they schedule regular check-ins:
Implementing a system of consistent, scheduled check-ins with student. These check-ins, conducted by a designated staff member (e.g. Teacher, School Wellbeing/Adolescent Health Specialist), will provide dedicated time for the student to articulate feelings and concerns proactively, fostering a sense of ongoing support. It may even just be a few minutes, but psychologically the student may relax knowing the option is available.
5. Request they develop a comprehensive communication plan:
Create a structured communication plan involving the student, parents/guardians, teachers, and wellbeing staff. This plan should include periodic meetings or check-ins to evaluate the student's progress, adjust support strategies as needed, and ensure effective communication flow to reinforce the student's feeling of being supported and understood.
6. Reqest they conduct a post-implementation review: After an initial period (e.g. a few weeks), they can conduct a formal review of the support strategies' effectiveness. This review should include assessing the student's perceptions of school attendance and utilisation of wellbeing resources, allowing for adjustments to your child's support plan.
Lastly, it’s important to recognise that schools are overwhelmed and face immense daily demands, not just in teaching but also in caring for students' wellbeing. Most teachers genuinely care—more than you might realise. Having worked in school wellbeing for over a decade, I can say with confidence that their passion for teaching, their students, and their careers runs deep. They truly care!
Hope this helps! 🐾
