The Special Educational Needs (SEN) Code of Practice (2001) states that Parent Partnership Services, whether they are provided „in house‟ to local authorities, outsourced to a voluntary organisation or a combination of the two, must ensure that they are at „arms length‟ from the local authority and that local parents are provided with

“…accurate, neutral information on their rights, roles and responsibilities within the SEN process and on the wide range of options available, to enable them to make informed decisions” SEN Code of Practice (2001:26)

Lewisham Parent Partnership Service views impartiality as one of the defining characteristics of its Service.

Lewisham PPS provides an impartial service to all users. By impartial, PPS means:

• Not favouring one side over another

• Treating all parties respectfully

• Not having vested interest in the outcome of any discussions

• Giving clear, factually accurate information

All Service staff know they must be impartial, whether they are providing information, advice or acting in a mediating role. Therefore PPS staff would not make judgement on the views, behaviour or policy of parens, school staff, LA staff or other professionals involved with the child or family.

Lewisham Parent Partnership Service supports parents to put forward their views; they do not give directive advice or make decisions on behalf of a parent. They will however ensure that parents are aware of their rights as a parent, the rights of their child, and their responsibilities as a parent in any given situation.

The aim of the PPS service is to empower parents to become effective partners in their child‟s education by providing them with accurate, neutral information so that they can make informed decisions about their child.

We also aim to empower parents and give them the confidence to express themselves appropriately at meetings. This may be achieved by PPOs accompanying parents to provide support and to ask relevant questions that arise from negotiations and discussions with schools and Local Authority.

Occasionally, it might be necessary for the service to represent a parent who is unable to express their views clearly. In such situations, PPOs might act as an advocate but it will be made clear to those present that they are expressing the views of the parent not their own views.

PPS aims to ensure that all parties to discussions understand their right and responsibilities of the other parties.

PPS is aware of their responsibility to ensure equal opportunity of access and endeavour to ensure that the service is as accessible as possible to all parents, regardless of cultural background, language, faith, gender, sexuality, age, family background or personal circumstances.

We will work pro-actively to enable and empower parents to

• understand the SEN system

• feel confident to talk on behalf of their child in meetings with school staff and other professionals

• understand and complete paperwork required in a timely manner

• support their child in achieving good educational outcomes

We will work pro-actively with schools and other professionals to

• develop positive and supportive partnerships with parents

• include the views of the child wherever possible

• to develop services that support children with SEN throughout the education system.

PPS will continue to provide an independent stance in line with recommendations in the Special Needs Code of Practice and the DoE Exemplification Standards. We believe this is valued by both professionals and parents alike and we will continue to actively challenge any attempt to discriminate against children with SEN/ Disabilities while encouraging parents to be realistic about what is possible in terms of support for their child.

 

Revised October 2011