Parents want partnership, not platitudes, on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Drawing on responses from 5,866 parents, this article sets out the strain: one in three has requested assessment; 58% report long waits; 1.6 million children have needs only partly met; lessons disrupted for 2.9 million. It offers practical, low cost changes schools can act on now: clearer behaviour, early classroom adjustments, regular check ins, and action on the income gap.

As SEND reforms stir concern across England, parents and schools find themselves navigating uncertainty together. This thought-leadership piece from &Parents explores why parental voice must be central to any changes in support for children with special educational needs. Drawing on research from leading education scholars and current campaigns like Save Our Children’s Rights, it highlights how schools and families can strengthen partnerships to protect every child's right to

End-of-year surveys are everywhere — but collecting feedback isn’t the same as using it. This edition explores how schools can move beyond token gestures to build real trust with families. It looks at what happens when parent feedback is ignored, and what’s possible when it’s acted on. From everyday conversations to “You said, we did” reports, small shifts in how schools listen can lead to stronger relationships and better outcomes for students.

Effective school-parent communication is essential for student success, but too often, it only reaches the loudest voices. This blog explores how schools can build inclusive communication strategies that engage all families, regardless of background. Discover practical tools, real-world examples, and expert insights to help your school improve parent engagement, strengthen relationships, and create a more equitable learning environment.