Nursery World - Source of support

Working effectively with parents is examined by Collette Drifte in our series on the new SEN Code of Practice Emma's Mum was difficult to work with at first', says Christine Evans, a nursery special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO). 'She was over-protective and wouldn't let Emma do anything, not even eat food unless it was mashed up, for fear of Emma choking.'

Emma's Mum was difficult to work with at first', says Christine Evans, a nursery special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO). 'She was over-protective and wouldn't let Emma do anything, not even eat food unless it was mashed up, for fear of Emma choking.'

This reaction by Emma's mother is not surprising. Practitioners have to play many roles when supporting parents - adviser, counsellor and social worker all rolled into one. How this support is offered will influence the attitude of the parents and, consequently, the future relationship between the setting and home.

Christine worked patiently with Emma's mother, but, in the end, it was Emma herself who played the trump card. Embarrassed that it was only her food that was being mashed up, she just helped herself to the lunch of her friend Simon, which he happily shared! Emma's mother had arrived early to collect her and couldn't believe her eyes. 'It was plain sailing after that,' says Christine.

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