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Date
20 December 2024
Link
inclusive.tki.org.nz/guides/transitions-managing-times-of-change/identify-parent-and-whanau-needs-and-desires

Identify parent and whānau needs and desires

Suggestion for implementing the strategy ‘Getting to know, and involving, the student’s family/whānau and the community’

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Build relationships

Build relationships

When building relationships with parents and whānau, it is vital to be respectful and mindful of their experiences.

Consider:

  • their personal preferences for engagement (for example, face-to-face or group-based)
  • suitable timing (time of day or week), acknowledging personal pressures
  • their experiences with schooling
  • the personal situations of the individuals involved (for example, consider the ages, gender and preferences of the individuals, and the financial, time or other commitments you are asking of them
  • culturally responsive actions for different situations
  • the ratio of professionals to family members – too many professionals can be overwhelming.

Work with parents

Work with parents

  • Communicate and share information in a meaningful way, demonstrating understanding and support for parents’ concerns.
  • Involve parents and whānau in determining strategies to support student learning and well-being.
  • Value family members’ knowledge about their child and assessments they have had done outside school.
  • Work with programmes or materials parents and whānau are using at home to maximise consistency and support for the student.
  • Develop systems for passing on information about a student’s needs, progress and next steps.
  • Share information about out-of-school programmes (for example, classes or groups for music, art, hobbies or sport).

Blog transition visits

Blog transition visits

Video or photograph key aspects of transition visits and share them on the student’s e-portfolio or class blog. This provides a stimulus for conversation and supports familiarity.

7131 [Muritai-School-blog-post.png]

Source: Muritai School class blog (opens in a new tab/window)

Source:
Muritai School class blog
http://www.mrsryanmuritai.blogspot.co.nz/2014/06/kindy-visit.html

View full image (1.5 MB) (opens in a new tab/window)

Reflect on your process

Reflect on your process

Use the questions from The principles of Te Whāriki as useful touchstones for reflection to guide your support of children and their whānau through the transition to school.

11408 [Te-Whariki-principles-as-touchstones-for-reflection.png]

Source: Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga

Source:
Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga

View full image (190 KB) (opens in a new tab/window)

Useful resources

Useful resources

Family whanau file2

Family/whānau file

A booklet to help parents of students with additional needs to brief their child’s school.

Visit website

Next steps

More suggestions for implementing the strategy “Partner with the family/whānau”:

Return to the guide “Transitions – managing times of change”

11455 [Transitions-managing-times-of-change-002.jpg]

Transitions – managing times of change

How to use this site

Guide to Index of the guide: Transitions – managing times of change

Strategies for action:

Key resources:

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