A free guide for parents. 

For IEPs, learning support plans and everyday conversations with teachers.

We know your time is precious. This guide takes about ten minutes to read, and you can use it at your very next meeting with your child's school.

You know your child better than anyone in the room. The guide helps you bring that knowledge to the table, so the meeting ends with clear goals, clear actions and people who know what they have agreed to do.

What is inside

How to open the meeting with your child's strengths, so the whole conversation starts in the right place. How to turn vague promises such as "more support" into clear goals that say what will happen, how often, and who is responsible. What to say when you hear jargon you do not understand. The short follow-up email that makes sure what was agreed actually happens. And two simple worksheets you can print or fill in on your phone.

Something you can do this week

Write down three things your child is good at or has done well lately, however small. Bring them to your next conversation with the teacher and start there. You will see the difference it makes.

Written by parents who have been there

This guide comes from Now & Next, a programme designed by parents for parents, and based on more than ten years of work with families in New Zealand and overseas.

Want support with this? 

Learn how to get the best outcomes for your child

Now & Next School is a free online programme for parents of school-age children who need extra support. 

In four sessions with a small group of other parents, led by parents who have raised children with additional needs themselves, you set goals for your child, your family and yourself, and practise for school meetings together. 

You will meet a caring, understanding community or parents like you.