Parent Information

At Connex, we believe that strong partnerships with parents and carers are vital to ensuring a successful placement for every learner. Parental engagement is established from the very beginning, continues throughout a learner’s time with us and beyond, each placement.

Our parental engagement approach includes five steps:

Setting expectations from the start
Boost positive relationships
Communicate regularly to boost engagement
Use surveys to capture views
Involve parents and carers in decision making and learning

Setting expectations from the start

We work closely with parents and carers to support learning, well-being, and positive future outcomes. Our approach to parental engagement is built on clear communication, strong relationships, and involving families in key decisions about their child or young person’s education.

Connex offers regular tours of the provision, giving parents and carers the opportunity to explore the setting and decide whether our support and interventions are right for their child or young person. Parents and carers of all Tier 3 learners are invited to visit Connex and meet key staff before the placement begins, providing time to ask questions and begin building positive relationships.

Following the visit, families receive a welcome pack with further information and guidance, along with details of our website, where additional information about Connex can be accessed.

Building positive relationships

Throughout the year, we maintain regular contact using parents’ preferred methods of communication, including newsletters, online updates, and direct contact.

Staff are available at the start and end of each session to support smooth handovers and maintain open communication with parents and carers. Parents and carers can also contact Connex by calling our landline on 01793 493905 between 9.00am and 3.00pm. If a member of staff is unavailable at the time of the call, we will aim to return the call by the end of the day.

We also offer a range of formal and informal opportunities to encourage engagement and build strong, trusting relationships. Formal meetings include Parent Consultation Meetings and Annual Reviews, while informal events may include open afternoons and family activities such as picnics and shared learning events.

Communicating regularly to boost engagement

Connex is committed to regular and meaningful communication. As a minimum, we:

send a termly newsletter to parents, carers, and schools
post updates on Facebook at least weekly
communicate with Tier 3 parents weekly, using their preferred method
communicate with Tier 2 parents or referrers at least fortnightly
post updates on EFL for all learners at least once per week

Using surveys to capture views

We value feedback from parents and carers and use surveys to help us continuously improve our provision. All parents and carers are invited to complete a survey at least once a year to share open and honest feedback. Parents and carers of Tier 2 learners also receive a survey at the end of the placement.

Involving parents and carers in decision-making and learning

All Tier 3 learners take part in PATH planning, with parents and carers invited to attend and contribute to discussions about future aspirations and outcomes. This planning directly informs the Annual Review process. Throughout the year, parents and carers are also provided with practical tips and strategies, including information about SEND support services and learning approaches, which can be explored further through individual conversations where needed.