Cu 2941 1.2 Essay

CU 2941 1.2.
Give examples of the different types of partnerships you work with and explain how you support effective communication with each one.
Working partnerships include:
• Students
• Parents and carers
• Educational staff - teachers, support staff and workshop lecturers
• Additional staff – personal care, cleaners, building maintenance, bank, volunteers, agency, students on placement (nursing, H&SC)
• Local borough supporting agencies – Social services, SALT, physiotherapists, psychologists, dieticians, community nurses, respite
• Other special needs colleges, schools and day services
Communication with groups of and individual students includes using both verbal and non-verbal methods. Examples of which are using simple language, Makaton sign language, symbols and pictures like Widgit (symbol software), accessible timetables, touch cues and gestures, electronic methods like Interactive Whiteboard (IWB), IPads, switches and Big Macks (recordable switches). Communication using these methods is intended to be accessible, empowering and enabling and is personalised according to individuals and small groups dependent on ability and understanding.
With parents and carers we communicate daily via student communication books, which describe activities participated in and any other relevant information required, for example general overview of student’s well-being, eating and drinking, confirmation of medical needs fulfilled, seizures and recovery, upcoming events or changes to timetable, requests for information or practical needs (money for trip etc).
This is supported by only including necessary information to be shared between class teams and parent/carers, attempting to maintain confidentiality. Other methods of communication include a regular newsletter, parent/carer coffee mornings, termly reports, letters home and annual reviews. Parents/carers will also be contacted via phone for emergencies or situations requiring immediate attention or
solutions.
All staff employed and volunteering at the organisation participate in regular communication starting with the main notice board which is updated daily to inform of timetable and staff changes, activities to consider, visitors, absences or late arrivals and anything else identified to be shared. The board is accessible to all, conveniently situated, and staff are aware of the necessity to check throughout the day. Other methods include memos, team meetings, whole staff meetings, appraisals, one to one informals, email. Students on placement at the organisation follow the same communication route as employed staff, they will also have an appointed mentor to meet regularly with and will be expected to maintain confidentiality and adhere to the organisation’s guidelines.
Communication with other partners like social services, SALT etc is via efficient methods like email, which is protected by password and initials or first names only used rather than full names to maintain student confidentiality. Student records on site are shared when necessary with only relevant people. Other communication takes place during onsite visits and annual reviews, as well as letters and phone calls when required.
Transitions, visits to other services and visitors from other services are also opportunities for communication. Any verbal exchanges of information are recorded and filed and then supported by the inclusion of student passports, support files etc.
Other forms of communication utilised at the organisation include the website and social media which support by being efficient, accessible, regularly updated and follow guidelines for confidentiality.