We consider our relationships with the families of young people at Prior's Court to be partnerships.

Parents/carers are involved in discussions at all stages of a young person's stay with us and are supported throughout by staff including keyworkers, home managers and teachers.

Training and information sessions take place throughout the year, and there are opportunities for families to meet staff and get involved in school events, such as sports days and assemblies.

We aim to provide extra support when families and young people need it most – such as when joining, leaving, changing placement (e.g. from day to residential) and any other key points throughout the time with us.

Supporting parent contact and communications

A family room and an onsite flat are available for parents and families to use to spend time during visits or for overnight stays.

All parents are invited to the Statutory Annual Review of their child’s special educational needs. Where appropriate this will be complemented by social services care reviews.

An e-newsletter is sent to parents every six weeks, providing updates on events at Prior’s Court, policy changes, staff changes and other items of interest, with letters home about key updates sent via email regularly.

Parents have access to a private Facebook group, each house has a WhatsApp group and there is a site-wide WhatsApp group to interact with other parents to create a community of support. Access is also given to a specific Parent Information area of our website, which contains key documents, letters home and other resources.

A Parent Forum hosted by members of the Prior’s Court team is held regularly with parents encouraged to suggest topics for discussion.

All parents have access to the Parent Portal section of our data recording system Prior Insight. This portal consists of reports on a range of areas including behavioural incident counts, seizure activity, detailed food and drink intake, and any injuries. An image and video gallery of recent activities is also available. This helps parents get a closer look at what their child is doing on a day-to-day basis and help them to better understand their child’s autism.

Parents are also able to follow us on our social media channels including Facebook and Twitter to see photos and updates about our activity.

Arrangements for contact between parents, carers, relatives and friends are agreed during pre-admission visits and detailed in each young person's care plan. Arrangements are individualised to meet the needs of the child and parents/carers.

Staff support young people in making phone calls or video calls to home, using services such as Skype or FaceTime. Key staff will also communicate with parents at a pre-arranged time at least weekly (or more frequently, for example when a child has recently joined Prior's Court).

As parents we have learnt so much from Prior’s Court staff. We have been able to trust the wonderful staff of Prior’s Court with our very precious vulnerable son; the advice and support which we have received has been invaluable.

Parent of a young person at Prior's Court

Listen to testimonials from current families

Information for parents/carers of young people at Prior's Court