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Inside this issue:
Rachel Clark: Parent Partnership Officer (Mon-Fri). On Maternity Leave until November ‘04
Denis Tully: Acting Parent Partnership Officer/Training Manager (Mon-Fri).
Carol Greaves: Helpline Advisor (Mon-Fri). Nottingham.
Edwina Cosgrove: Volunteer Support Worker (Mon-Fri).
Wendy Storrs: Support Worker, Nottingham.
Frances Coleman: Partnership Development Worker (Mon, Tues & Thurs). Hucknall.
Gurnam Kasbia: Asian Support Worker (Mon-Thurs). Nottingham.
Vacant: Senior Admin Assistant (Mon-Fri).
Vacant: Admin Assistant (Mon-Weds).
Editorial
Spring is a time of change, and no less so for Parent Partnership Service. May has seen the short-lived departure of Rachel Clark who is off on maternity leave until the end of November. We wish Rachel well.
We are looking to appoint an Exclusions Worker to work in the County. This is an exciting development, especially as the appointment is being made in partnership with the Connexions Service.
Another change is that Nicola McGrath has left Parent Partnership Service to move on to other things. Nicola was the person many of you spoke to when you telephoned. We wish Nicola well in her pursuits. Hopefully we will appoint two new administration staff in the coming weeks.
Noreen Sheikh is taking a career break for a year and we are pleased to welcome Gurnam Kasbia who will be filling the role of Asian Support Worker.
In this edition of Partnership Matters you will find feedback from our annual conference ‘Your Child Matters.’ The Government’s Children Bill is already encouraging change in children’s services and parents are key partners in these changes.
We have now closed the old Mansfield office and moved to the International Clothing Centre in Hucknall. Frances Coleman, Denis Tully and Sharon Murphy will be based there, and their contact details can be found on the front cover of this issue.
We hope you enjoy Partnership matters. If you would like to comment about it or would like something included in future editions please contact us at the Nottingham Office on 0115 948 2888.
Denis Tully, Acting Parent Partnership Officer.
Inclusion Support Service - County
Who are we?
The Inclusion Support Service (ISS) is the LEAs team of Specialist Teachers and Teaching Assistant working to promote inclusion. We work to meet the additional needs of children and young people from birth to 19 years, in a range of settings such as Family Centres, schools, child’s own home and others.
There are a number of roles in our service. We have Designated Teachers (DT), Early Years Teachers, Teaching Assistants, Resource Technicians, Speech and Language Therapists, as well as Consultants in Autism, Dyslexia, Visual Impairment, Deafness and ICT support.
What is the role of a Designated Teacher?
My name is Cath Page and part of my role is to be Designated Teacher or DT for two families (groups) of schools. Each school has a named teacher from the ISS who works with their school. This is called a Designated Teacher. We are in teams in the South, Middle and North of the County.
As a DT, I visit schools and offer advice and support about the progress of children with additional needs. This may involve observing pupils, giving advice about resources and strategies, attending reviews, or providing training for staff.
We work together with other Services and to support this we co-ordinate a regular Springboard meeting in the school together with colleagues from Behaviour Support, Early Years and Educational Psychology. Sometimes other professionals, such as Paediatrician, Speech Therapist or School Nurse also attend.
We have a caseload of pupils in the school, that are prioritised at this meeting. We also carry out more strategic work to support whole school development in the area of inclusion.
I also have another ‘hat’ within the ISS alongside my role as a DT. I have a development role that could take me to any school in the County wanting to do a specific bit of work to promote inclusion or provide training. Some of the things I am working on at the moment include a transition game and CD, setting up a Parent’s Group and auditing schools’ parent school relationships. Much of this work has a parent focus, following my time at Parent Partnership, which some of you will, no doubt, remember. During this time I developed the ‘Ask a Parent’ guidance for schools and I still work closely with PPS, delivering training and working in schools. It’s good to work together!
If you would like to contact us to know more about the role of DT, my work or any other of the faces of the ISS, please call us at South Base Tel. 0115 8546025 and we will put you in touch with the right person.
I am a Person not a Label
I recently had the pleasure of attending one of the training opportunities offered by Parent Partnership titled "I am a Person not a Label."
The day proved to be both informative and enjoyable; the only disappointment being that so few parents attended the event, hence my reason for writing this piece for the newsletter: To try and encourage more of you to take advantage of this excellent resource.
Despite attending many courses through work I still felt a bit nervous going on my own, wondering whether I would have to say anything etc. I needn't have worried.
After the welcome and introductions Ailsa Fairley talked to us about the social model of disability. Ailsa is inspirational! Ailsa is sight impaired and she told us about the ‘blind’ label being a barrier for others but not for her. She has carved out a very successful career including journalism, acting and now as a champion of disability rights.
The next session gave the parents time to chat together in small groups. This is always an enjoyable part, being able to share your experiences with others who know exactly "how it is".
After lunch we met with three young people from Brunts school who told us about their experiences in their school environment. This session was brilliant but I will say no more, go and hear them for yourselves.
Finally we had the choice of several workshops ranging from transport to SEN funding. There were too many to choose from and all useful. I selected SEN funding as my son Alex moves up to big school in September. These workshops gave us the opportunity to meet with Local Education Authority staff, who not only gave an insight to the subject, but also were very willing to answer all our questions.
I thoroughly enjoyed the day. But more importantly it’s given me a much greater knowledge of the funding streams available and has given me confidence knowing what I can ask for!
I hope to meet some of you at future events.
Colleen Ewart
Management Committee Parent Volunteer
Warsop Parish Dyslexia Support Group
Affiliated with the Nottinghamshire Dyslexia Association.
Malcolm Sargison Resource Centre, Warsop Vale, Mansfield, Notts, NG20 0SS
Tel: 01623 747987 Email: marion@warsop-vale.org.uk
Are you…
If you are interested in learning more about dyslexia please call Marion on 01623 747987 for a chat and further information.
www.nottsdyslexia.com
Nottinghamshire Dyslexia Association is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales no. 3941946 and a registered charity no. 1082345. Registered office – Resource Centre, St Bartholomews Court, 5 St Bartholomews Road, Nottingham NG3 3EH
Parent Partnership Service Annual Conference
Feedback from people attending the conference about the Government’s vision for children’s services:
The Government recently published ‘Every Child Matters,’ a consultation Green Paper which was followed by the Children Bill detailing the vision for children’s services. Meg Munn MP presented the Government’s vision to the conference saying that the Government is committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to fulfil their potential, be healthy, stay safe, enjoy and achieve, make a positive contribution, and overcome disadvantage to achieve their full potential in life.
To help achieve this, Government wants to make some changes, including:
The appointing of ‘a powerful champion for children’, called a Children’s Commissioner who will use the views of children to help shape policy.
Encouraging local authorities to improve the well being of children and young people.
Encouraging local authorities to work in partnership with other agencies.
The setting up of Children’s Trusts in local authorities as a way of helping services to children be more co-ordinated.
Making information sharing between services effective.
Digest of Comments from Participants in the Open Session
Participants fed back their views in two ways; by contributing in open session and putting their views in writing. There were mixed views about a child having a key worker instead of several people from different services supporting them. Can the key worker really effect change and be effective instead of just being nice? When a key worker is in place, who will really make the decisions about the child? If a worker is involved in a team but is not the frontline worker how can they have a realistic view of the child? Presently many parents feel isolated because of the failure of professionals to really be aware of and understand the child’s needs. There needs to be more focus on the child.
It is often the day-to-day things that professionals are not interested in like getting around with a child with SEN or having two appointments at the same place but at different ends of the day, lack of parking provision, being directed to the right place at the hospital and even being able to go to the front of the queue when you get there. Concern was expressed about children being put into mainstream schools without support, financial provision, and children with SEN being supported inadequately by people who are not really trained. It was pointed out that events like OFSTED detract from support given to children. The question was asked about what you fall back on when you come up against brick walls.
Children’s Trust - Will there be any more funding coming to The Children’s Trust? Are all services resource based?
What people wrote about INFORMATION SHARING BETWEEN SERVICES:
- How can we have any confidence when the parents and young people’s experience of the some services is so poor?
What people wrote about LISTENING TO CHILDREN:
- To listen to children be patient, take time, have empathy, be open minded and non-judgemental.
- To be effective in listening to children, inform, set up time, listen, analyse and act on it.
What people wrote about IMPROVING THE WELL BEING OF CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE:
- Are the resources available for prevention when they are being used as “damage limitation”?
- Change children’s services so they are more accountable for what they achieve, have stronger working relationships between services, and invest in people - working with children and families.
- Schools seem to feel too overwhelmed to implement best practise and to be informed by research.
- It should not depend on parent’s ability as to what support children receive.
- Services to children should be less resource led – their needs are still not addressed individually.
What people wrote about CHILDREN’S TRUSTS – co-ordinating services for children:
- I am concerned that shared responsibility may lead to no accountability.
- Does joint care planning lead to “group think.”
- Allow access to occupational therapist for my son with ASD (waiting list of at least 3 years).
- Telling your story lots of times (is annoying).
- More information is needed but it needs to be more specific.
- Having a key worker is a good idea.
What people wrote about THE CHILDREN’S COMMISSIONER – A champion for children:
- Could someone please investigate the growing problem regarding ADHD from the professional/social perspective? We introduced our group through Parent - Partnership Service, and only one school out of 700 in Notts wanted to hear our perspective; that of the parents in our group relating to what it is like living with ADHD. It is a very significant and growing problem which needs to be addressed.
What people wrote about ANYTHING ELSE THAT WILL ENABLE CHILDREN to be healthy/stay safe/enjoy and achieve/make a positive contribution and achieve economic well-being:
- Exhaustion of children trying to do what non-disabled children do when they don’t have the mental, physical, social or emotional energy to do so.
- Lack of monitoring and on-going support, lots of good ideas, but no leadership or process, things tend to peter out.
- Lack of co-ordination between local authorities.
- Specialist services need to be provided through mainstream provision – think about “barriers.”
- I am finding it really difficult to get excited about yet another initiative to put the child and families at the heart of all provision. What needs to happen is professionals need to listen to children and parents and DO something constructive about it. There needs to be a “duty of care” by ALL professionals working with the child so when issues become really emotional, people don’t hide behind their professional positions. If every child matters, then professionals need to understand that every child hurts, is sad, feels lonely and isolated – so they need to act and think creatively to find solutions – not use jargon that basically says ‘our hands are tied, he/she doesn’t meet the criteria etc’. Don’t pay lip service to yet another initiative – put money where it’s needed.
Improve services, raise the quality of life of children with SEN, celebrate their uniqueness, and value the role of parents/carers.
A comment that seems to sum up what the conference was saying is that the vision is fine but the problem parents are concerned about is Services delivering in practical ways that meets the real needs of children and families. The views from the conference are being sent to the group organising the Children’s Trust in Nottinghamshire.
Cool Kids
‘A new Comic, Website and Directory of Places to go to - 4 kids by kids’
The comic, website and directory of places to go has been designed, created and produced by Nottinghamshire disabled children, their sisters, brothers and friends. It is for children everywhere.
This is a Nottinghamshire Children’s Fund project for disabled children aged between 5-13 years.
If you think your child or any children you work with might be interested in getting involved with Cool Kids you can contact them on Tel: (0115) 8465616.
Check out their website at www.cool-kids.org.uk to find out what they have been doing.
Training opportunities with Parent Partnership Service..
..for Parents, School and Voluntary Sector staff and anyone concerned about children with additional needs in education.
The aim of the Parent Partnership Service training programme is to support parents by offering events to them that provide information and ‘know how’ on subjects to do with special educational needs. If you wish to register for any of the training events, please contact Return to Denis Tully, Parent Partnership Service, International Clothing Centre, Annesley Road, Hucknall,
Notts NG15 8AY. Tel 0115 84 00 81.
Informal Advice and Information Session
This session is available for parents to meet Parent Partnership Service staff to discuss any concerns or to ask for information. Simply contact the Parent Partnership Service office and tell us what you would like information on or what you would like to discuss. We will arrange to meet with you.
How can parents put their views in writing?
The SEN Code of practice is clear that parent’s views should be considered alongside those of professionals. In Nottingham and Nottinghamshire parents are asked for their Contribution, or Advice, or Report, depending on the information they are being asked for. This workshop will give information about the role of parents in relation to the Code of Practice and how written information should be presented when it is requested.
Date: 16th June 2004 Venue: International Clothing Centre Hucknall
Time: 10.00am–12.30pm
What's in a statement?
Different Local Education Authorities have different ways of using the Statement process to support children and young people with additional needs in school. This often leads to parents being confused about how their child can be supported. In the vast majority of cases Nottingham and Nottinghamshire children are supported when no Statement is in place even to the extent of the child receiving more support that in another authority where a Statement is in place. This workshop will provide information for parents about how children in school receive additional support and how this support is funded.
Date: 8th July 2004 Venue: International Clothing Centre Hucknall
Time: 10.00am–12.30pm
On the move...
When a child requires additional support and is moving from one school to another, or when a young person is leaving school, a Transition Plan will be put in place to plan for the child or young persons move to a new school or into adulthood. A number of agencies are involved in the plan. This workshop will outline the role of the different agencies involved and what they do. It will highlight the role of the parent, child or young person and Connexions.
Date: 14th July 2004 Venue: International Clothing Centre Hucknall
When is exclusion not exclusion?
‘Fixed Period Exclusion’, ‘Permanent Exclusion’ – what’s the difference? Under what circumstances can a child be excluded? How should a parent respond if their child is excluded? This event will provide participants with the opportunity to explore the issues surrounding exclusions; provide factual description of when exclusion is exclusion, what must happen and how parents can respond.
Date: 21st July 2004 Venue: International Clothing Centre Hucknall
Time: 10.00am–2.30pm
Supporting parents
Parent Partnership Service is continually looking to recruit new volunteers. This course is for anyone interested in being a volunteer. Participants will learn about the SEN Code of Practice, the role of Parent Partnership Service, the Independent Parental Supporter and about the skills and qualities required when supporting parents. This course is accredited by the Open College Network. Those who complete the accredited course are able to apply to be and IPS volunteer with Parent Partnership service. The course runs for 12 sessions.
What past participants have said about the course:
“I’ve gathered a wealth of information to help me with my own situation as well as helping those parents who just ‘don’t know where to start’ in getting the best support for their child in school.”
“I never realised it would be so useful before I did it”
“It’s the best training experience I have ever had”
If you are interested in being notified when the next course is please contact us as soon as possible.
Visiting schools
We are organising an event that aims to help parents develop confidence to get the information they need when visiting a school to make a decision about whether it’s the best school for their child. There will be the opportunity to:
- Hear about the experience of other parents
- Think about the sorts of questions parents should ask
- Hear from a SENCO what is helpful in a visit
Parent Partnership Service will also give information about how it supports parents in the process of school visits. This event is being planned at a time when many parents are concerned with viewing new schools. This event is important support Parent Partnership Service is offering parents and it is recommended that any parent thinking about a new school for their child attends.
The session is being planned for an evening in September.
If you are interested in attending please register your name immediately.
Registration for Training
I wish to register for the following training event/s:
Title of training Date of training:
Name
Address
Post Code
Telephone
Do you know of any support Parent Partnership Service could provide to enable you to participate in the training events?
Return to Denis Tully, Parent Partnership Service, Suite 5 Clarendon Chambers, Clarendon Street, Nottingham NG1 5LN
FWA Newpin Services
Some of you may know the Family Welfare Association (FWA) as the voluntary organisation which provides consultancy and management support for the Parent Partnership Service locally. FWA nationally is now working with Newpin, an organisation which provides therapeutic care for parents and under fives in London Boroughs and Chesterfield in Derbyshire. Newpin had become insolvent and FWA have offered them a package which brings them within FWA and provides some funding for a transitional period.
The staff and Trustee Boards of both Newpin and the Family Welfare Association have agreed the takeover. Fran Daly, Coordinator, and Susan Miles, Family Play Facilitator, from Chesterfield Newpin will be joining the FWA staff team in the East Midlands. Welcoming the Newpin services, Helen Dent, FWA's Chief Executive, said: "We are pleased to add the expertise of the Newpin staff to our own and envisage that the new services will complement FWA's existing work with parents and children.”
Further information:
Fran Daly, Chesterfield Newpin Coordinator 01246 515916
Helen Roberts, FWA Regional Service Manager 01159 452111
British Heart Foundation - Castle Wharf 5km Sponsored Jog/Walk/Crawl
Friday June 11th in Nottingham
Parent Partnership Service Staff and Volunteers took part in this event to demonstrate support for Val Fisher, our Management Group Chair and longstanding, dedicated volunteer. Many parents of children with special needs will have come into contact with Val – she has personally supported a number of parents and has played an active role in a number of training groups and similar events.
Val’s seventeen year old daughter Kirsty has been in Glenfield Hospital, following heart surgery. Kirsty has now had a heart transplant and is in Great Ormond Street Hospital. As a result, Val will be out of action as far as PPS is concerned for some time yet. The British Heart Foundation funds two of three specialist nurses at Glenfield, trained in cardiac care, who support families in Val’s situation. We felt it would be very appropriate for us to take part in this event.
If you would like to sponsor the PPS Team, please return the slip at the bottom of the page to the Nottingham office with a cheque made payable to British Heart Foundation. Alternatively you can drop sponsorship money into either of our two offices at Nottingham or Hucknall.
Primary to Secondary Transfer
The Parent Partnership Service has once again written an information booklet for parents of Children placed at School Action Plus or statemented who are due for transfer to secondary school in September 05. These booklets will be distrubuted through the schools, if you do not receive one either ask your SENCo for a copy or give us a call at the Nottingham Office on 0115 9482888.
Evening Helpline
As you will know the Parent Partnership Service was running a trial of the evening helpline—we have now decided to make this a permanent service. The helpline will be available Wednesday evenings until 9pm.
The helpline hours will now be Monday, Tuesday, Thurs and Fri 9am-5pm; and Wednesday 1pm—9pm.
If you want to call—please phone/minicom: 0115 9482888
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