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In cases where communication breaks down completely and parents are unable to agree on the choice of school, an application to the family court may prove necessary. This article explores these crucial aspects, highlighting the importance of collaboration and the wellbeing of the child.
One of the fundamental pillars in making schooling decisions as separated parents is clear and respectful communication. Open dialogue lays the foundation for a constructive and collaborative approach. Both parents should commit to effective communication channels, such as face-to-face discussions, phone calls, or email, where they can openly express their thoughts, concerns, and aspirations for their child’s education. It is essential to listen actively, acknowledging each other’s perspectives without interrupting or dismissing them. By fostering respectful communication, parents can work towards finding common ground and making informed decisions.
In cases where either party has concerns about opening up communication with their ex-partner, apps such as OurFamilyWizard provide a safe space for this to take place. All conversations on the app are recorded and cannot be edited. This encourages parents to consider messages carefully before sending them; a practice supported by the app’s built-in function which can detect offensive or upsetting language and flag it to the user.
Parents can also engage in voluntary processes such as Family Mediation. A mediator can facilitate discussions between the parents and help them to communicate and co-parent more effectively. The mediator can also help parents to tackle of issue of schooling and where appropriate speak to the child/children directly to obtain their views.
In any decision concerning a child’s life, their wishes and feelings should be given utmost importance. When it comes to choosing a school, parents must consider their child’s preferences, interests, and unique needs. Engaging in open and honest conversations with the child, at an age-appropriate level, can help them feel heard and involved in the decision-making process. By considering their perspective, parents can ensure that the chosen school aligns with the child’s educational goals, extracurricular interests, and social wellbeing. Parents should also be wary of creating situations where the child is socially isolated and has had to sacrifice friendships to move closer to a parent’s address.
If parents feel unable to obtain the child’s views directly or in circumstances where a child is saying different things to each parent, a trained family mediator could work with the family and obtain the views of the child and feed these back to the parents.
Separated parents must be willing to compromise when it comes to factors such as travel times and overnight stays at each parent’s house. The logistics of commuting and maintaining stability for the child can present challenges, especially if the parents live in different areas. By focusing on the child’s best interests, parents can explore solutions that balance convenience and minimal disruption to the child’s routine. Flexibility, open-mindedness, and compromise are key to finding arrangements that work for both parents and ensure the child’s educational journey remains as seamless as possible.
In some cases, a complete breakdown in communication between separated parents may occur, making it difficult to reach a consensus on schooling decisions. In such situations, seeking a Specific Issue Order from the Court can provide a resolution. A specific issue order is a legal solution that allows the court to make a decision on a specific matter concerning the child’s upbringing, in this case, the choice of school. However, it is essential to remember that involving the court should be seen as a last resort, as it may prolong the decision-making process and can strain the relationship between parents further.
Parents should have discussions around schooling as early as possible to avoid a stressful and time sensitive situation which could be distressing for the child. If you are experiencing difficulties with your ex-partner in relation to schooling or child arrangements generally, our specialist team of family solicitors are here to help. You can contact us on 0113 322 9222 or at enquiries@consilialegal.co.uk.
