Schools are there to answer any questions you may have and to listen to your views and opinions.

Basically you can ask any question for which you want the answer but here are a few that may get you started!

You very probably are well aware of any concerns, as you very likely have them yourself, but ask anyway. There may be areas of concern that happen more at school than at home and some which only happen at school. The concerns could be related to the work or about your child getting on with other children.

Reassure yourself that the concern has been looked into well. Ask for the evidence, which may be reports of incidents, or results of work or assessments that your child has done. The baseline assessment that was done when your child first began school will tell you what strengths and areas of difficulty were shown then, and what progress has been made since. Give your opinions, but listen carefully, the school will not be providing School Action for your child unless they have genuine concerns that they have already tried to do something about.

The school will already have put support in to help your child make progress. Ask what has been done, how often and what difference it has made. Remember that you have the best knowledge of your child and you will know best what they will respond well to. Help the school by making suggestions - but be realistic. Remember resources are also limited.

Children who find it harder to learn than most children of the same age will continue to receive extra or different help from that given to other children for as long as necessary. Sometimes a child will need help for a short time only. A few children will need help for all of their time at school. Keep talking to the school. You need to work together.