A key part of the work we do at The Harbour, is gathering information from parents, the child and school staff around a child’s story. By listening to parents and staff, and from observing children in the school context, we can gain a holistic, shared understanding of the child’s world and what their behaviour might be communicating; this helps us to work ?in a collaborative way to identify more successful and meaningful strategies to support the child, family and school. This is what we call ‘The Formulation’.
Parent/Carer Information
Two members of the Harbour Programme Team (an Educational Psychologist, and Harbour Practitioner) will meet with parents or carers at home to discuss the child’s strengths, needs, developmental history and what they are noticing about the child now. Parents know that the Formulation meeting is taking place, and their voice is shared during the meeting, however they do not attend. The outcomes and strategies from the Formulation Meeting are shared with parents by the child’s school.
School Information
A member of The Harbour team will meet with key members of the child’s school. As well as the school Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO), they may also talk to class teachers or teaching assistants supporting the child. This will also involve completing a Thrive Assessment.
Child’s Views
A member of The Harbour Programme team will observe the child in school for around 30 – 45 minutes and discuss information gained with school staff. Noticing how the child acts, what they say and what they might be thinking or feeling in different context help to provide the child’s view. Updated One Page Profiles, using visual or practical resources, getting children to take photographs or draw pictures can also support to gain their views.