Supporting Parents of Children with Additional Needs

Building Trusting Partnerships Through Understanding, Communication, and Collaboration
Parents of children with additional needs are experts in their own child, yet many experience high levels of pressure, uncertainty, and frustration when navigating services. This training supports professionals to work more effectively, compassionately, and collaboratively with parents, helping to build trusting relationships and achieve better outcomes for children and families.

Course Overview
This interactive training focuses on understanding the parental experience, strengthening professional–parent partnerships, and applying solution-focused, family-centred approaches in everyday practice. Participants will develop practical skills to communicate effectively, plan collaboratively, and reflect on their own professional practice.

What You Will Learn
• Understanding the parental perspective, including the emotional and practical pressures of navigating diagnosis, stigma, and services
• Building trusting, family-centered partnerships through respectful, collaborative working that empowers parents
• Applying solution-focused approaches to joint planning, using strengths-based techniques to agree realistic next steps and achievable goals.

Course length: 3 hours