They work under the guidance and supervision of Hackney Parent Partnership Service, and are usually trained volunteers.

While an independent parental supporter helps parents/carers understand what is happening, they will not make decisions about their child.

Although hackney parent partnership service should be able to give parents/carers access to an independent parental supporter, they can also choose a friend, a parent or someone from a voluntary organisation, to support them.

An independent parental supporter may help parents/carers by:

• listening to parents/carers worries and concerns
  
• providing parents/carers with ongoing and general support
  
• helping parents/carers  to understand what is happening during SEN procedures and processes such as school action, assessment and statementing
  
• explaining rights and responsibilities
  
• helping parents/carers to prepare for and attend visits and meetings
  
• helping parents/carers to make phone calls, fill in forms and write letters and reports
  
• helping parents/carers to express their views and communicate with schools and local authorities
  
• finding further sources of information, support and advice

To find out more about the service contact Kate Akindipe the Independent Parental Supporter (IPS) coordinator on 020 7014 7123.   

Written by Shelter Seanehia IPS

IPS Training
It is an exciting opportunity to receive training to become a volunteer IPS.  The training is an eye opener, even with my many years of professional teaching experience.

Content
The course is well structured, covering all imaginable aspects of SEN such as working in partnership with parents and other agencies; policies and principles and providing support for parents. 

Methods
The delivery is good with the challenge of brainstorming. Quizzes, self directed study, group or pair work, some that rather precede the discussion of the topics. 

Environment
Environment for learning is very good, well prepared, relaxed and very friendly, meetings different people, good meals and facilities.

Benefits
It is very beneficial to me and I believe will translate into helping and supporting parents and pupils with SEN.

More about becoming a trained Independent Parental Supporter here.

Have you got what it takes to become an IPS in the community who choose to make a difference in the life of families in the borough?  After the training you will be able to support families and give relevant information to parents and carers in order to make an informed choice or decision in relation to their children’s educational needs.

If you are interested contact Kate Akindipe on 020 7014 7123

for more information click on the link below...

Independent Parental Supporter (IPS) - become a trained volunteer!