Parent training and resources
At Oak Farm Primary School, we believe that families are our most important partners. You know your child best, and your experiences, observations and aspirations are essential to helping us understand their strengths, identify barriers to learning and provide the right support.
We are committed to building positive, trusting relationships where families feel listened to, respected, informed and involved.
Our approach is built on genuine partnership: not simply sharing information with parents, but listening, learning and making decisions together.
Your Voice Matters
We value parent and carer contributions throughout every stage of a child's school journey. There are many ways to share your views, ask questions or discuss concerns:
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Emails and telephone conversations: Keeping communication open and accessible.
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Informal meetings and conversations: Providing opportunities to talk through concerns, celebrate achievements and agree next steps.
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Support Plan reviews: Working together to identify strengths, needs, priorities and appropriate support.
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EHCP annual reviews: Ensuring family aspirations and experiences inform the review of provision, outcomes and future planning.
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Professional liaison: Working collaboratively with families and external professionals, including Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Educational Psychologists and local authority services.
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Surveys and feedback: Inviting parents to evaluate our provision, share ideas and help shape future developments.
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Coffee mornings and workshops: Creating welcoming opportunities to learn, ask questions and connect with other families.
We recognise that every family is different. Some prefer a planned meeting, while others find a quick conversation or email more helpful. We aim to be flexible and approachable.
You do not need to wait for a formal review or meeting to share something important with us.
Learn More About Our SEND Assess, Plan, Do, Review Process
You Said, We Listened
Parent feedback helps us celebrate what is working well and identify where we can improve.
Our SEND parent voice survey in June 2026 provided valuable insight into families' experiences of support, communication, inclusion and partnership.
We use this feedback alongside pupil voice, staff observations and school improvement priorities to strengthen our inclusive practice.
We also recognise the importance of listening when families tell us something is not working as well as it could. Constructive feedback helps us reflect, adapt and improve.
SENDCo Coffee Mornings and Parent Workshops
Our SENDCo coffee mornings are relaxed, welcoming opportunities for parents and carers to come together, share experiences, ask questions and explore practical ways to support their children.
Sessions cover a range of topics relating to learning, communication, development, emotional wellbeing and family life. They are designed to be informative, supportive and free from judgement.
Throughout 2026–2027, our programme includes topics such as:
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Nurture, anxiety and positive morning routines.
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Screen time and early childhood development.
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Speech, language and communication.
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Understanding Oak Farm's graduated approach to SEND.
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Emotional recognition, regulation and Zones of Regulation.
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British Sign Language and our Total Communication approach.
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Specialist provision, developmental pathways and targeted interventions.
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Occupational Therapy, Language Link and other areas of child development.
Where possible, we also invite external professionals to share their expertise, answer questions and introduce families to wider support services.
New coffee morning dates, presentation materials and practical resources will be added to this page throughout the academic year.
SENDCo Coffee Morning Dates 2026–2027
Resources from Our Coffee Mornings
We know that not every parent can attend a session. We therefore aim to share useful resources and practical strategies so that families can access information at a time that suits them.
Early Language and Communication
Small everyday interactions make a big difference. Talking, listening, playing, reading together and giving children time to respond all help develop communication.
Communication at Home – Our Top 10 Tips
Communication and Language Coffee Morning Presentation
Nurture, Anxiety and Morning Routines
Predictable routines, visual checklists, positive language and calm transitions can help children feel secure, develop independence and begin the school day positively.
Helping Children Start the Day Positively – Parent Workshop
Example 5 step chart with reward
Alternative 5 step chart with reward
Screen Time and Healthy Digital Habits
We work with families and external professionals to explore how screen use can affect sleep, communication, attention and wellbeing, and how to develop healthy, realistic family routines.
Screen Time: Finding the Balance for Your Family – Workshop
Family Digital Plan for Children Aged 0–5
Tips for Healthier Screen Habits
Additional workshop materials and resources will be added throughout the year.
Working with External Professionals and Community Services
Supporting children and families is a shared responsibility. We value our partnerships with external professionals and community organisations, who provide specialist advice, training, workshops and wider family support.
We aim to share relevant opportunities from organisations including:
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Hillingdon Family Hubs and Children's Centres: Parenting advice, early childhood development, family wellbeing and practical workshops.
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All Things Inclusion: Information, guidance and training relating to inclusion and additional needs.
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Hillingdon Children's Integrated Therapy Service (CITS): Specialist Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy and other therapy advice and support, as appropriate.
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Other local authority and health professionals: Advice and workshops responding to the needs and interests of our school community.
We will continue to share opportunities through our website, school communications and parent coffee mornings.
Explore Hillingdon Family Hubs and Children's Centres
Find Out More About All Things Inclusion
Information About Children's Integrated Therapy Services (CITS)
Helpful Resources for Families
Families often ask where they can find reliable advice about common childhood challenges. The following organisations offer practical guidance and information.
NHS – Children's Health and Development
Advice on children's health, development, sleep, emotional wellbeing and everyday health concerns.
ERIC – The Children's Bowel and Bladder Charity
Specialist information for families about toilet training, constipation, bedwetting, daytime wetting and children's bowel and bladder health.
Visit ERIC – Toilet Training and Continence Support
Hillingdon Family Hubs
Local family support, parenting programmes, workshops and access to community services.
Explore Hillingdon Family Support
Helping Shape Our Parent Community
We are exploring ways to strengthen connections between families of children with SEND, including the possibility of developing an Oak Farm SEN Parent Network.
Our ambition is to create opportunities for families to share experiences, exchange practical advice, build relationships and have a collective voice in shaping our inclusive school community.
We are keen for any future network to reflect what parents actually want, rather than making assumptions about what would be most useful.
Share Your Views About an Oak Farm SEN Parent Network
Have a Suggestion or Request?
We want our parent workshops, coffee mornings and resources to reflect the real interests, questions and challenges of Oak Farm families.
Perhaps there is a topic you would like us to explore, a professional you would like to hear from, a resource you would find useful or an idea for bringing families together.
We would love to hear from you.
Please contact Mrs Hunt, SENDCo, with any personal requests, suggestions or ideas for future sessions.
Email: send@oakfarmprimary.org.uk