Understanding what school is telling you
Reports, emails and meeting notes explained in plain English, and what they usually mean in practice.
Parent consultations
Making sense of your child's education and development
A calm, non-judgmental consultation with a Qualified Teacher who has worked across educational and psychological settings, to help you understand your child's education, what your options are, and what to do next.
For parents of children aged 4 to 18.
Award-winning specialist support
- BSc Psychology (Hons)
- Qualified Teacher Status
- London Teacher of the Year Award 2021
- Psychological Researcher
- Former Assistant Psychologist
- 10+ years experience across Psychology and Education
Does this sound familiar?
- "The school says they are monitoring things, but I am not sure what that means."
- "I think my child needs more support, but I do not know what to ask for."
- "I am not sure this school is the right environment for my child."
- "My child is finding school, friendships or confidence hard and I do not know whether to wait or act."
You are not behind, and you are not alone. This is a complicated system, and nobody hands parents a map.
What a consultation can help with
Making sense of your child's development
Ruby helps you step back and see the whole child, not just one report or one concern.
Thinking about the right school environment
Which kind of setting is likely to suit your child, what to look for and what to ask on visits.
Understanding the types of support available
What a school can offer, what sits outside school, and what tuition, coaching, counselling and specialist input are each for.
Thinking about assessments
Whether an assessment might help, what it can and cannot tell you, and who carries it out.
Deciding what to do next
Whether to wait, ask for a review, seek further support or put things in place at home, with a short, clear plan.
Want to learn how to teach your child yourself? See Parent Teaching Sessions.
Meet Ruby
Both taught and understood
Some children come to Ruby for confidence, friendships or managing change. Others come for academic support, whether that is catching up, keeping pace or being stretched further. Many need both. Over 10 years working with children and families, nationally and internationally, Ruby has learned to notice what sits beneath the surface.
What this is, and what it is not
Parent consultations offer guidance and clarity from an educational point of view. The sessions are not formulating a diagnosis, a clinical assessment, therapy, or legal advice. If Ruby believes a child would benefit from a specific specialist, she will always say so.
Begin with a conversation.
Prefer email? Write to hello@rubycole.co.uk.
Frequently asked questions
Can you help me choose a school?
Ruby can help you think through what kind of environment is likely to suit your child, what to look for, and what to ask. She does not recommend specific schools.
Can you tell me whether my child has a particular condition?
No. Ruby does not diagnose. She can help you understand what you are seeing and what routes exist if you want a formal assessment.
Is this the same as tuition or coaching?
No. This is a conversation for you, the parent. If it becomes clear that one-to-one tuition or social and emotional coaching would help, Ruby will say so and explain the options, with no obligation.
Is the conversation confidential?
Yes. Ruby handles information in line with the site's Privacy Policy and Safeguarding Policy. If a safeguarding concern arises, Ruby is required to act on it.
How do I know if my child needs more support at school?
If a difficulty has lasted more than a few weeks, keeps coming up in reports, or is affecting your child's confidence or happiness, it is worth talking to school. A consultation can help you work out what you are seeing and what to ask for.
Read the full guideWhat can I ask my child's school for?
You can ask what the school has noticed, what support is in place, who is delivering it and when it will be reviewed. If you think your child has special educational needs, you can ask to meet the SENCo.
Read the full guideWhat does it mean when school says they are monitoring my child?
It usually means the school has noticed something and is watching how your child gets on before deciding on extra support. It is reasonable to ask what they are watching for and when you will review it together.
Read the full guideDoes my child need a diagnosis to get support?
No. Schools should respond to a child's needs whether or not there is a diagnosis. A consultation can help you think through whether an assessment might still be useful.
Read the full guideMy child won't go to school. Can you help?
Yes. Ruby can help you make sense of what is happening and plan next steps with school. She also offers tuition and coaching for children who are out of school or on reduced timetables.
Read the full guideHow is this different from free SEND advice services?
Local SEND information, advice and support services give free, impartial advice on the law and processes, and they are well worth contacting. A parent consultation is a one-to-one conversation with a Qualified Teacher about your child, their learning and your next steps. Many families find both useful.
How much does it cost?
The fee is shared when you get in touch.
What this is, and what it is not
Parent consultations offer guidance and clarity from an educational point of view. The sessions are not formulating a diagnosis, a clinical assessment, therapy, or legal advice. If Ruby believes a child would benefit from a specific specialist, she will always say so.
Not sure where to start? Start with a conversation.
Send a few lines about what is on your mind. Ruby will reply personally.