TEACHERS' STANDARDS

Handling Difficult Conversations with Parents: Calm, Clear and Compassionate Communication

Do you want to feel fully confident when navigating complex or high-emotion conversations with parents? This practical professional development course equips educators with proven communication strategies to handle difficult conversations proactively, calmly and compassionately. Learn to master active listening, deploy simple de-escalation techniques and use objective evidence to maintain safety and keep discussions focused on the child. By establishing clear professional boundaries, you will turn high-stress encounters into productive partnerships with families.
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Adam Barrett, Fiona Roberts & Carly Watkins 

2 hours

Online Course


By completing this course, you will:

build confidence in approaching difficult conversations early, calmly and proactively;
explore simple de‑escalation strategies that help keep conversations safe, respectful and focused on the child;
strengthen your ability to listen actively, validate concerns and maintain professional boundaries;
know how to signpost parents to appropriate support (pastoral, SEND, attendance, external agencies) when needed;
understand when and how to escalate concerns to SLT, safeguarding or SEND colleagues.

Course Lessons

Written by: Adam Barrett

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Adam Barrett is an experienced teacher, academic and SENDCo. He has previously specialised in behaviour management, leading and reforming approaches to behaviour management in primary schools with the aim of creating inclusive environments for all.

As well as a PGCE, Adam has an undergraduate degree in History and an MA in English Literature.

Presented by: Fiona Roberts

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Fiona Roberts is a video content creator (VCC) for the Twinkl PD team. She has over ten years' experience as a primary school teacher and private tutor.

Before completing her Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE), Fiona also achieved an MA (Hons) in Film and Television Studies.

She has previously supported the development of her school’s English curriculum and is particularly passionate about this subject. Fiona has also thoroughly enjoyed acting as a mentor to trainee teachers and early career teachers during her time in the classroom.

In Collaboration with: Carly Watkins

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Carly Watkins has over 20 years of experience as a primary school teacher, including several years as an assistant headteacher, with responsibility for whole-school curriculum development and overseeing learner progress and attainment. She also holds a master’s degree in Education Practice and an NPQ in Leading Teacher Development.

Carly has been a mentor for both student and early career teachers and currently facilitates the Early Career Framework for ECTs and their mentors, delivering training at conferences and via online seminars.

At Twinkl PD, Carly heads up pedagogical professional development, a role which means she can support educators to develop their personal practice and pedagogy — something she is passionate about — on a national scale.