Person-centred meetings

(4 + 1 Reviews, Person-centred Reviews)

Who do parents want to attend the meeting?

Remember to explain why some professionals need to be invited- e.g.so that appropriate outcomes for their child can be identified.

Why is the meeting happening?

Remember that parents should be aware of any emerging concerns as they are identified. A meeting is not the right place to list key worker/SENDco concerns for the first time. 

What will be discussed?

This should be discussed with parents prior to the meeting. The most effective person-centred reviews begin with celebrating the child’s strengths and parents have had prior opportunities to gather their questions, concerns and queries. Provide a copy of the 4+1 document to parents before your meeting. This will provide opportunities for them to begin to identify their concerns, questions, and of course, identify what is going well at home.  

Where will the meeting happen? 

Remember confidentiality-parents and professionals will be sharing information. Is your meeting room private?

When?

What time/day is most suitable for parents or carers to attend meetings? Do you have preferred days for meetings to suit your provision staffing requirements?

Arrange your meetings with parents first, remember that professionals often require three to four weeks’ notice. When there are a number of professionals involved with a family it can be challenging for all to attend. Request an update/information/key points prior to the meeting when professionals send apologies. You can request this information in your invitation to the meeting letter (sent to family and professionals involved). Ask if they cannot attend the meeting that they send a report/update information before the meeting so you have time to share with everyone.  This also ensures that parents and professionals do not spend time during the meeting reading reports. 

Before the meeting

• prepare the room - comfortable and welcoming
• print documents/reports/development overviews
• plan your staff cover/room cover/ratio cover
• decide how you will record your person-centred meeting - large paper? Post-it notes?

During the meeting

•  start on time
• introduce yourself and explain your role. Lead the ‘round of introductions’ 
• Begin with parents, ask for an update. How are things going at home?
• Be positive- ‘what’s great about…(child)?’ before discussing issues 
• Use clear language.  Avoid jargon and explain what you mean. 
• Be open and honest – remember you are sharing your perspective as a setting/practitioner/key worker/SENDco
• At the end of the meeting ask parents if they have any other concerns, questions or worries.

After the meeting  

• Write up and forward your person-centred review within two weeks of the meeting.
• Remember to record apologies and forward to ALL professionals (not just those who attend).