Independent parental supporters are trained volunteers and can help parents/carers through the procedures involved in dealing with their child’s special educational needs.

They work under the guidance and supervision of Hackney Parent Partnership Service.

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

The HPPS service aims to use, train and equip these new volunteers to use the skills and experience in the community to provide parents/carers of children with SEN/disability a trusted service that educates, supports and informs parents/carers on how best to help their children.

Have you got what it takes to become an IPS in the community and make a difference to 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.

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

View photos from the IPS Awards 2011 here.
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