For families:

 

~ advice given either by email or telephone.

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~ support in communicating with schools, colleges and other educational organisations.

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~ information on further support that is available.

 

For schools, colleges and local authorities :

 

~ training for Family Support Workers, Pastoral Leaders, Inclusion Lead, SENCO, Learning Mentors and Management Teams. There is a common thread to all the CPD opportunities: understanding the experience of a parent with SEN/Learning Disabilities in relation to their children’s education; understanding the child’s experience of living with a parent with SEN/Learning Disabilities and the area of communication. PARENTS need... tailors each course for the specific audience.

 

~ there is a particular challenge for Special Schools where the parent with SEN/Learning Disabilities is parenting a child with SEN/Learning Disabilities. PARENTS need... offers CPD here that covers a review of up-to-date, relevant research and tailored work on the importance of modelling and communication. 

 

~ your website, prospectus and specific policies and practices will contain information aimed at communicating with and engaging parents/carers. PARENTS need... audit on offer will review all of these from the perspective of a parent with SEN/Learning Disabilities. A report will be produced offering specific guidance on how inclusive your school is for these parents, with suggestions for further improvement and signposting to useful resources.

 

~ PARENTS need... provide an evaluation of Local Authority policies and practices related to parents with SEN/Learning Disabilities, the audit will review relevant websites, documents and practices and a report will be produced.

 

~ there is often very little data regarding parents with SEN/Learning Disabilities. PARENTS need... undertakes research for the Local Authority in order to have relevant information about the number and needs of this particularly vulnerable group.

 

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~ PARENTS need...  has developed resources which reflect the vital importance of visual and spoken communication and the offer includes modifying or tailoring resources and developing new ones to meet needs as they arise.

 

For advocates:

 

~ Advocates provide an invaluable service for parents with SEN/Learning Disabilities. They are often family members, taking on the role informally, who might appreciate being supported in the area of the children’s education. PARENTS need… offers answers to questions about all aspects of education and any guidance needed to support the child in school or college.

 

~ PARENTS need ... offers email or telephone responses to questions and provides signposting to further support agencies.

 

For charities:

 

~ bespoke training on the impact of parental learning difficulties and disabilities on the educational experiences and achievements of children

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~ guidance on communication with parents who have learning difficulties and disabilities

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What next:

I would recommend that you email me, as our first contact, outlining in as much detail as you can about the child and family and the needs you are aiming to address and any questions you might have.

 

I will reply promptly to this, by email or by phone if you request that and my initial response will be free of charge.   

 

Our discussions will then lead to the tailored plan to meet the specific needs and the costs will be agreed between us, based on the work that has been agreed.