Euan

This article sets out the case for investment in parent–school partnerships, drawing on evidence, including the EEF Toolkit, linking this work to around +4 months of additional progress. It shows how one twilight funds a co-led, measurable start you can track against your own data.

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.

Attendance follows trust and support, not blame. The piece challenges the "parents must do more" line and focuses on what moves attendance now. You get a brief read on the data and actions for schools: humane calls home, breakfast without hoops, travel help, same day wellbeing triage, phased returns, and a named adult at the gate. Parents are partners. Schools are anchors. Choose one action and start this week.