Home/School Partnership Agreement

This agreement outlines the key roles and responsibilities of all parties involved in supporting a pupil at The Haefen. It reflects our shared commitment to a safe, nurturing, and purposeful environment in which every child can thrive. This document should be discussed, understood, and signed prior to starting the placement.

The Role of The Haefen (School Responsibilities)

The Haefen agrees to:

• Provide a safe, nurturing and inclusive learning environment that supports the emotional, social, and academic development of all pupils.
• Deliver a personalised curriculum tailored to each child’s EHCP, needs, and interests, including therapeutic interventions.
• Support the development of social and emotional skills, using the Six Core Strengths and trauma-informed practice as our foundation.
• Implement and uphold the Relationships and Behaviour Policy, using co-regulation, restorative approaches, and (where necessary) safe-holding in a way that is always reasonable, proportionate, and necessary.
• Maintain transparent and timely communication with parents/carers, including regular updates on progress, wellbeing, and any concerns.
• Involve parents/carers as partners in the education of their child, including at meetings, reviews, and planning discussions.
• Provide access to support, advice and guidance to families, and where appropriate, signpost additional services.
• Record and share any safeguarding concerns in line with statutory guidance and our internal safeguarding procedures.
• Work collaboratively with external agencies and the local authority to ensure the best outcomes for each pupil.
• Celebrate pupil achievements and recognise progress in all areas of development—academic, social, and emotional.

The Role of Parents and Carers

Parents and carers agree to:

• Work in partnership with The Haefen
  Engage positively with the school’s ethos, values, and approaches, including our therapeutic and relational model of support. Trust in the school’s decision-making and be open to collaborative problem-solving.
• Support our relational and behavioural approaches
  Understand and accept that our staff use co-regulation, restorative practice, and (when necessary) safe-holding strategies to maintain emotional and physical safety. These approaches are always implemented in line with our Relationships and Behaviour Policy and prioritise dignity and de-escalation.
• Ensure good attendance and punctuality
  Make sure your child attends school regularly, arrives on time, and is collected promptly. Notify the school by 9:00am of any absence or delay.
• Communicate openly and in good time
  Keep us informed of any changes in your child’s home circumstances, emotional wellbeing, or health needs that may affect their experience at school.
• Support school routines and expectations
  Ensure your child wears the agreed school clothing/uniform and brings any required items for learning or therapy sessions. Let us know in advance of any difficulties.
• Attend all review meetings and school discussions
  Participate in scheduled review meetings, EHCP reviews (if applicable), parent/carer consultations, and other planning meetings to support your child’s progress.
• Engage with guidance and support
  Be open to accessing support and training offered by the school. Consider and, where possible, implement strategies at home that are aligned with the work being done in school.
• Respond appropriately to requests
  If your child becomes unwell, or there is a serious incident, accident, or level of dysregulation that impacts their safety or ability to remain in school, we may contact you to discuss next steps. In some cases, this may include arranging for your child to be collected early. We ask that parents/carers remain contactable during the school day and respond promptly when needed.
• Uphold respectful relationships
  Treat all staff, pupils, and other families with courtesy and respect. We do not tolerate any form of aggressive, intimidating, or abusive behaviour towards staff or others.
• Support long-term planning and placement stability
  Understand that The Haefen is a long-term, specialist SEMH school. We are not a short-term intervention or temporary provision. By accepting a place, families commit to working in partnership with us to support their child’s full educational journey — including any future transitions that may be needed to meet their evolving needs.

Role of The Pupil

Pupils agree to:

• Try their best to keep themselves and others safe.
• Show kindness and respect to others at school.
• Be open to new learning experiences and support.
• Take part in activities and lessons, even when they find things hard.
• Work with adults to understand and manage their emotions and behaviour.