As someone working in a school, you will often be one of the first people to notice when a child or young person might need a little extra support. You see the changes — maybe they are quieter than usual, more unsettled in class, struggling to concentrate, or finding friendships difficult. These moments may raise a quiet question: Could a bit of extra support make things easier for them right now?

If so, one of the most meaningful things you can do is open a gentle, supportive conversation with the student’s parents or carers. But we know that is not always easy. It is natural to worry about saying the “wrong” thing, causing alarm, or being misunderstood. 

This blog is here to help. 

We have put together some therapeutically informed language that can support you in having kind, clear conversations with families when you are signposting them to our services — or when you simply want to explore the idea of emotional wellbeing support together. 

Begin by focusing on the shared intention to support the child or young person: 

“We really value the relationship we have built with your child, and we have noticed some signs that they might be finding certain parts of school or daily life a bit more difficult at the moment.” 

“It is really common for children and young people to go through times when they feel more sensitive, unsettled, or in need of extra emotional support. Although this is not unusual, we have noticed some things that we wanted to bring to your attention, to see if you are might be noticing anything similar at home.” 

This kind of language supports collaboration with parents/carers and keeps things calm, clear, and focused on the young person’s needs — without sounding alarming or clinical. 

When you mention Inspire Wellbeing Services, it can be helpful to speak about the value of working in partnership: 

“There’ is a team we work with called Inspire Wellbeing Services. They support schools, students, and families with emotional health and wellbeing.” 

“They are not part of the NHS or social services, but a Chelmsford-based Community Interest Company linked to the charity Kids Inspire.  They help schools support children’s wellbeing in a safe and thoughtful way.

Schools receiving our consultation service, may find it helpful to share this: 

“They offer space for us as staff to reflect on what might be going on beneath a student’s behaviour or emotional responses — and to think together about how we can best support them in a way that is safe, respectful, and really meets them where they are.” 

This makes clear that the service is about collaboration not correction. 

Sometimes you may have concerns about approaching the parent/carer about their child because you are worried about the parent/carer becoming defensive and/or the consequences this may have for the child. Clearly, if there are safeguarding concerns, then the approach would be different, and you would follow your school’s safeguarding policy.

However, if not a safeguarding matter but you think approaching the subject may be tricky, it may can be more helpful to focus on the child’s emotional wellbeing then their behaviours. This can help shift the emphasis to mental health rather than the child or the parent/carers doing anythings ‘wrong’. The aim is to work together so that the child’s emotional needs are brought into focus and then supported in a way that suits them. 

Many families feel unsure about what a referral actually means – they may never have accessed therapeutic services before.  It might be reassuring to explain a little about what the next steps will look like for families: 

“Support begins with a referral. As a parent, you can refer your child into their services, or we can do so on your behalf. They have lots of information on their website, that you may like to read.” 

“Sometimes, they may suggest involving you as a parent or carer in support — but only with your consent and in a way that feels comfortable for everyone involved.” 

“Everything shared with Inspire Wellbeing Services is treated confidentially. They will not share any information with us, or anyone else. If there is ever a need to share important information to keep someone safe, they will always aim to discuss this with you first.” 

This helps to build trust and reduce fear around professional involvement. 

If you want to know more about how Inspire Wellbeing Services supports children,  and young people, and their parents/carers to have better conversations, you are always welcome to reach out. Visit our child and young person page https://inspirewellbeingservices.co.uk/therapy-for-children-young-people-families/, email us hello@inspirewellbeingservices.co.uk or call 01245 914701 and speak to one of our team. 

We are here to work together — because every child deserves to feel safe, understood, and supported.