Working As One: Successful School Relationships

Building positive relationships between home and school

Building strong, positive relationships between school and home is essential for supporting children’s development. While this may sound straightforward, in practice, it can be challenging. Often, assumptions create barriers that prevent open communication. Teachers may feel too busy to engage, and parents may worry that their methods at home might not be seen as appropriate. Breaking down these barriers is the first step toward fostering trust and collaboration, ensuring that both school and home can work together effectively.

The role of trust in communication

Trust is a cornerstone of any successful relationship. When teachers trust what parents share about their child’s behaviour at home, it can provide valuable insights into the child’s experiences outside of school. Similarly, when parents trust teachers’ observations in the classroom, it helps them understand how their child is navigating school life. For children, especially those who are neurodiverse, behaviours can vary significantly between environments. They may expend great effort to fit in at school and return home exhausted, or they may behave differently at home than at school. Recognising and respecting these differences requires mutual trust and understanding.

Understanding behaviour across environments

Children’s behaviour is a form of communication. Their responses and reactions in various environments provide essential clues about their needs and experiences. Understanding that behaviours may differ depending on the setting allows both teachers and parents to interpret actions more accurately. Believing each other’s observations is an important first step in building strong relationships. Once trust is established, bridges can be built between home and school, making it easier to share strategies and insights that support the child’s growth and learning.

Creative communication strategies

Sometimes, communication requires creative solutions. One example is a family that developed a unique system using balloons. Their autistic son drew symbols on balloons to communicate his needs, such as wanting a biscuit. While this method was unconventional and not recommended by professionals, it effectively broke down early communication barriers. The mother initially felt embarrassed and hesitant to share this system with the school, which limited the school’s ability to support her child effectively. This highlights the importance of open communication; no method is too unconventional if it helps the child express themselves.

Using structured communication tools

Another example involves the use of a PEX (pictorial exchange communication) system. A mother independently attended a course to learn how to implement this system at home, creating a communication book for her child. The child eventually developed verbal communication, but initially, the system was only used at home. Delays in sharing this tool with the school meant that the child’s ability to communicate effectively in the classroom was limited. This situation emphasises the need for parents and educators to openly share communication strategies and encourage consistent support across both environments.

Breaking down barriers and encouraging openness

The key to successful collaboration between home and school lies in breaking down assumptions and encouraging openness. Parents and teachers need to feel comfortable sharing what works at home and what is observed in school without fear of judgment. Being transparent about communication systems, behavioural patterns, and responses allows both environments to support the child effectively. When schools and families work in partnership, children benefit from a cohesive approach that values their individuality and encourages progress.

The impact of strong relationships

Strong, trusted relationships between home and school create an environment where children can thrive. By valuing each other’s insights, maintaining open communication, and embracing creative approaches, parents and educators can ensure that children are understood and supported. This collaboration helps children navigate the challenges of different environments, reduces frustration, and encourages confidence in expressing themselves. At the heart of this process is trust; once established, it opens the door to effective communication and meaningful partnerships that benefit every child.

Here, Anne-Marie Harrison, Education Director from Ideas Afresh, shares her top tips on building positive relationships with schools and supporting children right from the start.