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Moderate Evidence

Communication Scripts

Ready-to-use email templates and conversation scripts for communicating effectively with school about your neurodivergent child.

Email communication principles
Keep it brief and focused on one issue
Be specific - include dates, examples, details
Start with something positive when genuine
State clearly what you're asking for
Propose solutions, not just problems
Keep tone professional and collaborative
Request a response or meeting if needed
Follow up verbal conversations in writing

Email templates

Initial notification of diagnosis
Informing school after your child receives a diagnosis
Dear [Teacher/SENCO name],

I'm writing to let you know that [child's name] has recently been diagnosed with [ADHD/autism/both]. I've attached a copy of the diagnostic report for your records.

I'd like to arrange a meeting to discuss:
- What this means for [child's name] in the classroom
- Any adjustments that might help
- How we can work together to support them

I'm happy to share more information about the diagnosis and what we've learned about what helps [child's name].

Could you let me know some convenient times to meet?

Best regards,
[Your name]

Note: Attach the report if appropriate. Some parents prefer to discuss in person first.

Requesting a meeting
When you have concerns you want to discuss
Dear [Teacher/SENCO name],

I'd like to request a meeting to discuss [child's name]'s progress/support/[specific concern].

I've noticed [brief description of concern], and I'd like to understand more about what's happening at school and discuss how we might address this together.

Would it be possible to meet within the next week or two? I'm available [provide some options], but can adjust to suit your schedule.

Thank you,
[Your name]

Note: Keep initial email brief. Save details for the meeting.

Following up after a meeting
Creating a written record of agreements
Dear [Teacher/SENCO name],

Thank you for meeting with me yesterday to discuss [child's name].

I wanted to confirm my understanding of what we agreed:

1. [Action 1] - [who is responsible] - [by when]
2. [Action 2] - [who is responsible] - [by when]
3. [Action 3] - [who is responsible] - [by when]

We also agreed to [next steps/follow-up meeting date].

Please let me know if I've missed anything or misunderstood.

Thanks again for your time and support.

Best regards,
[Your name]

Note: This creates accountability. Send within 48 hours while memory is fresh.

Expressing concern about support
When agreed support isn't being implemented
Dear [Teacher/SENCO name],

I'm writing regarding the support plan we agreed for [child's name] on [date].

I've noticed that [specific examples of what hasn't happened], and I'm concerned that the agreed support isn't being consistently implemented.

I'd appreciate the opportunity to discuss this and understand what might be preventing implementation. I'd also like to explore whether any adjustments are needed to the plan.

Could we arrange a meeting to discuss?

Thank you,
[Your name]

Note: Stay factual, not accusatory. Focus on the child's needs.

Reporting an incident
When something has happened that you need documented
Dear [Teacher/SENCO name],

I'm writing to report an incident involving [child's name] that occurred on [date].

[Child's name] told me that [factual description of what happened]. They said [quote if relevant]. When they came home they were [describe state - upset, anxious, etc.].

I'm concerned about [your specific concern] and would like to understand:
- What happened from the school's perspective
- What action was taken at the time
- What will be done to prevent this happening again

Could you please respond in writing and/or arrange a meeting to discuss?

Thank you,
[Your name]

Note: Document incidents in writing even if you also discuss verbally.

Requesting assessment
Asking school to assess your child
Dear [SENCO name],

I'm writing to formally request that [child's name] be assessed for [specific area - e.g., learning difficulties, speech and language needs, ADHD support needs].

I'm concerned because [specific examples and observations]. At home, we've noticed [relevant home observations].

I understand the school has a duty to assess children where there are concerns about special educational needs, and I would appreciate knowing:
- Whether you'll be carrying out an assessment
- What the assessment will involve
- The expected timeframe

I'm happy to provide any additional information that would be helpful.

Thank you,
[Your name]

Note: A formal written request triggers certain duties on the school.

Positive feedback
Letting school know what's working
Dear [Teacher name],

I wanted to let you know that [child's name] has been [positive observation - coming home happier/less anxious/more engaged with learning/talking positively about school].

They mentioned that [specific thing that helped - the visual schedule/your approach to X/sitting near the window/etc.].

Thank you for [specific thing the teacher has done]. It's clearly making a difference.

Best regards,
[Your name]

Note: Positive feedback builds relationship and reinforces what works.

Phone call scripts

Quick check-in

"Hi, this is [name], [child's] parent. Is this a good time for a quick word about [child]?"

  • Keep it brief - school staff are busy
  • Have your main point ready
  • Offer to email or schedule a call if it's not a good time
Raising a concern

"I'm concerned about [brief description]. I'd like to understand what's happening and discuss how we might address it."

  • Be specific about the concern
  • Listen to their perspective
  • Ask "What can we try?" not just "What will you do?"
  • Follow up in writing
After a difficult day

"[Child] came home quite [upset/dysregulated/anxious] today. Can you help me understand what happened so I can support them?"

  • Don't assume wrongdoing
  • Seek to understand first
  • Focus on prevention for next time

Useful phrases for meetings

opening
  • "Thank you for making time to meet with me."
  • "I appreciate the support [child's name] has been receiving."
  • "I'd like to understand more about..."
  • "I'm hoping we can problem-solve together about..."
expressing
  • "I've noticed that [specific observation]..."
  • "At home, we're seeing [description]..."
  • "[Child's name] has mentioned that [quote]..."
  • "I'm concerned because [specific reason]..."
requesting
  • "Could we try [specific accommodation]?"
  • "What would it take to [specific support]?"
  • "I'd like to request that [specific action]."
  • "Can we agree to [specific plan]?"
clarifying
  • "Can you help me understand what that means in practice?"
  • "What would that look like day-to-day?"
  • "Who would be responsible for implementing that?"
  • "How will we know if it's working?"
closing
  • "So to summarise, we've agreed that..."
  • "When should we review how this is going?"
  • "I'll send an email to confirm what we discussed."
  • "Thank you - I appreciate you working with me on this."

Phrases for difficult conversations

When school is dismissive
  • "I understand you have many children to consider, but I need to ensure [child's name]'s needs are being met."
  • "I'd like to understand what would need to happen for this concern to be taken seriously."
  • "Can we document this conversation? I'd like a written record of your response."
  • "Who else can I speak to about this?"
When blamed for child's behaviour
  • "I appreciate your perspective, but I'd like to focus on what we can do together at school."
  • "[Child's name] has a neurological condition that affects their behaviour. Can we discuss strategies that help?"
  • "What specific support would help [child's name] manage this at school?"
When disagreeing with school's approach
  • "I understand your reasoning, but I have some concerns about [specific approach]."
  • "The evidence suggests that [alternative approach] might be more effective because..."
  • "Could we trial [alternative] and review in [timeframe]?"
  • "I'd like this disagreement noted in the records."
When escalating
  • "I appreciate you've done what you can, but I feel I need to escalate this. Who should I contact?"
  • "I'd like to request a formal meeting with [headteacher/governors]."
  • "I will be putting this complaint in writing."
  • "I've sought advice from [IPSEA/advocacy organisation] about this."

Keeping records

Communication log
Track all contact with school
  • Date
  • Who you spoke to
  • What was discussed
  • What was agreed
  • Follow-up needed
Incident log
Document specific incidents
  • Date and time
  • What happened
  • Who was involved
  • School's response
  • Impact on child
Support plan tracker
Monitor agreed support
  • What was agreed
  • Is it happening?
  • Is it helping?
  • Evidence/observations
The key insight

Clear, documented communication is your most powerful tool. Having the right words ready makes difficult conversations easier, and written records create accountability and protect your child's interests.

  • Written communication creates records and accountability
  • Specific examples are more persuasive than general concerns
  • Starting positive builds collaborative relationships
  • Follow up verbal conversations in writing
  • Know when to escalate and how