Supporting Parent Carers to find solutions for school attendance difficulties
Define Fine is a parent/carer-led organisation set up in response to the growing number of children and young people who experience school attendance difficulties.
This is sometimes referred to as ‘school refusal’, or emotionally based school avoidance however these phrases may not explain the full picture of the barriers to attendance which may be due to any number of complex reasons such unmet Special Educational Needs & Disabilities including physical or mental illness, either suspected or diagnosed, bullying or issues relating to academic pressure, or even the school environment.
School attendance difficulties are complex but all too often these children are described as being “fine” when they are in school. Define Fine has produced resources based on relevant government policies and guidance, to help parents and their families to work with professionals to assess and then plan appropriate and timely support.
Our Barriers to Attendance guide is based on statutory and other government guidance to enable parent carers and professionals to work together to find solutions around attendance difficulties.
We also share links to useful information and research from trusted sources.
We provide peer support for parent carers through our closed Facebook Group, webinars , Q&A sessions and some direct support to empower them with an understanding of the relevant government guidance so they can advocate for their own children and young people.
We provide training and consultancy to Parent Carer Forums, SENDiass, Mental health and SEND support groups, local authorities, ICB's and other organisations.
We have two CPD accredited webinars with Q&A sessions which can be tailored to requirements.
COURSES AND SUPPORT
We support Parent Carers and offer training and advocacy to Professionals and Support Organisations