Confident Conversations
Virtual Skills Practice for SEND Parents
Sometimes the hardest part isn‘t knowing what you want to say. It’s how to say it. It’s keeping calm and in control when you’re sitting opposite a SENCO, teacher, Local Authority or other parents – when the conversation really matters. These live online practice sessions are designed to help you to prepare in a supportive, safe and confidential environment. Whether you have a needs-assessment review coming up, need to discuss support with school or simply want to feel more confident advocating for your child, this is an opportunity to practise, reflect and build confidence.
Why practise?
Most of us prepare what we want to say.
Very few of us get the opportunity to practise saying it.
The words we choose, our tone, our questions and how we respond under pressure can all influence the outcome of a conversation.
Practising doesn’t guarantee you’ll get the result you want, but it can help you to understand your triggers, the impact you make and approach sometimes difficult conversations feeling calmer, clearer and better prepared.
What happens?
Each session lasts 90 minutes and is limited to five parents or primary care givers of SEND children, creating a supportive environment where everyone has the opportunity to participate and learn.
Before the session, think about one real conversation that matters to you.
It could be:
- an EHCP review
- a meeting with your child’s school
- discussing additional support
- responding to difficult feedback
- communicating confidently whilst maintaining positive relationships
During the session, your behavioural skills coach Mairi will take on the role of the other person while you practise the conversation.
We’ll pause where helpful, explore different approaches, experiment with language and reflect on what works.
The rest of the group observe, offering supportive feedback on what they noticed, what was effective and what might be even more effective.
Many people say they learn just as much from observing others as they do from practising their own conversation.
Session Details
Live online via Zoom
90 minutes
Maximum 4 participants
£50 per person
Places are intentionally kept small to allow everyone time to participate.
Select one of the available dates below.
If all sessions are full or you can’t make those dates, please join the waiting list via the button below – and we’ll let you know when further sessions are released.
This is the same coaching approach I use with senior leaders preparing for high-stakes business conversations – adapted specifically for the conversations SEND parents have every day.