Family partnership meeting planner

Before the meeting

• State the purpose and decisions available in plain language.
• Ask about accessibility, timing, interpretation, format and who the family wants present.
• Share essential information in advance so the meeting does not begin with a surprise.
• Identify strengths, progress and what school has already learned as well as concerns.
• Decide who will chair, record actions and remain the family’s contact afterwards.

During and after the meeting

• Begin with the pupil’s experience, strengths and the family’s priorities.
• Use concrete examples and explain professional terms rather than relying on jargon.
• Distinguish agreed facts, different perspectives and questions that remain open.
• Record actions with an owner, timing, intended difference and review point.
• Send an accessible summary promptly and invite correction where the record is inaccurate.
• Follow up when promised, including when there is no new decision yet.