Family involvement in planning and decision making is important because families know their child best. Family input is instrumental in making sure that the student receives appropriate support, and that necessary changes are made so they can be fully included in the classroom.

Below are some Government publications that endorse this expectation which you may find helpful in school discussions.

• Getting ready for school – A guide for parents of a child with disability View page five and six for the Department of Education’s position on the importance of family involvement.
  Policy Standards for Curriculum Planning and Programming, Assessing and Reporting to Parents K-12 Where there are adjustments to curriculum for students with disability it is imperative that parents are consulted to ensure the students needs are being met.  
• Parent engagement and collaboration with schools is further endorsed through the following resources to support implementation of the Education Standards 2005.
• Planning for personalised learning and support- A national guide.

Every student has their own aspirations, learning needs, strengths and interests and it is the responsibility of schools to respond to every student and their unique characteristics, with high expectations for achievement. Providing personalised learning and targeted support is one way they achieve this.

Improving outcomes for students with disability through parental engagement and effective consultation.

The resources listed below are practical examples and tools that can help with meetings, planning and decision making with the school. 

• I Choose Inclusion Chapter 4 (page 20): How to Get What you Want QPPD
• Full inclusion for Nicholas How parents worked with school including formulating an Individual Education Plan (IEP)
• Parent’s Individual Education Planning Report (IEP Workbook and Report Proforma) Kathie Snow
• New and improved IEP meetings Kathie Snow
• Your child’s IEP – Guide for families All Means All
• Family Business vs School Business Family Advocacy

If you feel you are not being heard or able to put your perspective across to your child’s school then please do remind yourself of your child’s right to an education by visiting the section’ Know your rights’.

You can also call us on 1800 620 588 to have a discussion and consider how to approach the issue.