Advocating for your child
If you think your child is struggling at school, trust your instincts. Early support makes a big difference, so don’t wait to raise concerns with your child’s teacher.
You’re not alone.
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed. There’s often a lot of information to take in, and conversations can focus heavily on what your child is finding difficult. Even in supportive schools, meetings can feel emotional or intimidating. But they are also an important step to getting the right support in place.
Below you’ll find informtion on getting support at school, links to workshops and events and access to our Parent Guide, a comprehensive resource for families and schools.
You know your child better than anyone. Advocating for them may feel challenging at times but it plays a critical role in helping them succeed.
What helps
Evidence shows that structured literacy is
the most effective way to teach reading
and writing. Some children will learn well
with whole-class teaching.
Others may need:
- More time
- More practice
- Small group or one-on-one support
When to seek support
Start a conversation with your child’s school if:
- Reading and writing are not improving
- Your child is anxious about school
- They avoid reading or writing tasks
- They have difficulty concentrating
- Their confidence is low or they seem withdraw
Find Support
Our Parent Guide
Workshops and events
Learning plans
Your Learning Passport
Dyslexia resources
Support at school
Knowing who to talk to and what to ask can make a big difference in supporting your child. If you have concerns about your child’s learning, start with their teacher. This is the person who knows your child best in the classroom and is usually the first step in getting support in place.
Who else can help?
If you need more support or clarity, there
are other people in the school who can help.
Depending on your school, this may include:
- Literacy or support teachers
- A Student Support Coordinator
- Year coordinators
- Assistant principals or principals
If you don’t understand what you’re being
told, or feel your concerns aren’t being
heard, it’s okay to speak to someone else.
Keep asking questions
It’s important to feel confident that your child is receiving the right support.
Some helpful questions to ask include:
- How is my child progressing compared to their peers?
- What teaching approach is being used?
- What happens if my child needs extra support?
- How can I help at home?
If the answers aren’t clear, keep asking or ask someone else.
A team approach
Supporting your child is a shared responsibility. You, your child and the school can work together to identify what they need. Put supports in place, monitor progress over time.