This strengths and abilities communication checklist can help teachers and parents or carers identify discussion points before meeting. This might include areas that may be a strength for a student, as well as areas where further support can help a student at school.

Parents or carers, teachers, and a student can tick any areas they would like to discuss together, and bring it along to help guide or prompt their discussions. During discussions, parents or carers and teachers may want to expand on what a student can achieve independently, as well as what they can achieve with support, such as with prompts, as part of a routine, or for a person the student has rapport with. 

For example, a parent or carer may check ‘anxious/fearful’ and ‘angry’ if their child may need support with regulating these emotions, and then talk about strategies their child can engage in without support (for example, positive self-talk) and strategies they may need support with (for example, time or opportunity to access a quiet space).

The primary resource may be particularly helpful during transitions to new classes, teachers or educational settings, or as a preparation tool for parent/carer-teacher meetings. The secondary resource contains additional pages to support conversations and planning for post-school transitions. Building autonomy and independence for post-school life should begin in year 7.