Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

While Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire County Councils fund PPS it managed by a Management Group made of parents, the voluntary sector, and the LEA’s. The PPS Officer is not managed by the LEA but by a representative of the voluntary sector. The SEN Code of Practice says that the arrangements for supporting parents must include the appointment of independent persons and the service must be set up at arms length to the LEA. The information and advice that Nottingham and Nottinghamshire PPS gives is independent of the LEAs but relates to the Code of Practice. Sometimes this means that PPS will challenge a school or the LEA about a particular issue and sometimes PPS will confirm to the parent that the school or LEA is fulfilling what is required in the Code of Practice.

When you visit a school, you need to look at the surroundings – do they have lots of different displays and do they seem to have work by children of all abilities? If there are children working in the school, do they look happy? Are they helpful and friendly? Do the staff seem friendly and approachable? Are they interested in what you are saying about your child? Is there evidence of the school being part of the wider community?

For more information please see our two leaflets – Checklist for visiting schools and Which school?

Parents can ask about anything that might relate to their child. There are some issues that are particularly important to parents including how pupils are supported and school-to-home communication.  As well as asking general questions, parents should feel able to ask about specifics like, who is responsible for particular roles and how things happen?

Visiting different special schools gives parents a good idea about the school that could best meet their child’s needs, in the same way that parents visit mainstream schools. Parents may express a preference to the Local Authority about the school they would like their child to attend, there then will be discussions with the Local Authority as to the best placement.

This depends on whether the school is the nearest suitable school or a preferred choice of school. Most children get access to a school bus, which may be part funded by the Local Authority. If your child has a need which means they are unable to access public/school buses and they attend their local mainstream school, they may qualify for special transport. This is looked at on an individual basis by the Local Authority. The transport could be a taxi or a minibus. Some school shave developed a buddy system for children who can access the regular school and need some support. Older pupils at the school support other young people on the buses. Usually a member of staff will be available to escort your child to the school bus if she or he needs assistance. If your child attends a special school they may be provided with transport – this should be discussed with the Local Authority.