How volunteers help parents

Independent

Independent Parental Supporters are volunteers who do not take sides.

They give support and information without giving a personal opinion.

This helps parents to remain in control as they make decisions about their children’s education. Some parents have told us how much this helps, and have said:

“I had someone to talk to, to give advice on my son, who wasn’t connected to the school”.

“The thing that helped me most was knowing that Parent Partnership are independent and have an unbiased view”.

“Parent Partnership are understanding and helped me get the correct information.

Parental

The Parent Partnership volunteers help parents of children with special educational needs.

Some of the things parents value as they have help from these volunteers are:

• Someone to help with school meetings or with filling in education paperwork
• Someone to explain the Statutory assessment process for children who might need a statement of special educational needs.

Things parents have said:

“I found the whole experience with the school very emotional. As a parent going through all this it is very hard to know who to contact”.

“I appreciated speaking to someone who was prepared to listen to my concerns and who considered them valid”.

“Parent Partnership explained things to me that I was unaware of”.

Supporter

The Parent Partnership volunteers are a unique and valued support.

A supporter offers:

• Help with preparation for meetings and help with meetings.
• Information and advice about processes; and
• A listening ear.

If you would like the help of an IPS:

Please contact the Parent Partnership Service on (01234) 316353.

We need as much notice as possible. At busy times we may need as much as three weeks notice to arrange help for you.