1. The literacy needs of the parents /carers
Limited time with parents and or carers as they do not drop off and pick up their children
The literacy needs of the parents /carers
The parent /carer has a disability affecting communication
Own difficulties with literacy e.g. spelling
The parent /carer has a disability affecting mobility
Cultural differences in communication style e.g. choice of language, proximity, eye contact, etc.
The parent / carer may have a difficulty in understanding the language used in a setting
Miscommunication

2. - Offer to fill in forms without embarrassing parents/carers.
- Use home setting books - parents/carers - Phone parents/carers - Hold information sessions at flexible times e.g. Evenings or Saturdays - Update the setting’s website with news, if relevant.
- Do not assume that all parents/carers are comfortable reading and writing.
- Offer to fill in forms without embarrassing parents/carers.
- Look for ways of presenting information orally.
- Invite a signer to support the parent/carer
- Find out how to meet the parent/carer’s needs e.g. better lighting, larger print or speaking more clearly.
- Check that the setting complies with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995
- Ask a sympathetic colleague to check documents such as letters.
- Use a dictionary /spell check.
- Consider getting further help with literacy.
- Choose a place that suits the needs of other parent/carer
- Find out how to meet their needs e.g. adjust the height of chairs, help with doors, provide ramps.
- Check that the setting complies with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995
- Respect that people communicate in different ways and use different styles.
- Be sensitive and if appropriate, adapt own style of communication to reflect that of the parent/carer.
- Provide an interpreter or invite the parent/carer to bring a friend to interpret.
- Translate key documents
- Use ICT, such as translator pens or welcome cards.
- Look for a local support to help you, e.g. local authority teams with ethnic and minority support.
- Clarify meaning as soon as possible.
- Apologise for any misunderstanding
- Reflect on how miscommunication can be avoided in the future e.g. by avoiding educational jargon, or thinking about the tone of your writing.