If you are worried about your child’s progress at school, there are a number of actions you can take. Always start by talking to some of the following people:
After you have done this, if you are still not happy, ask the school how it handles parental concerns and then take this action. If you are still worried, you can contact us on 01245 436036.
Finally, you can complain to the Secretary of State. We aim to make sure that this route is not necessary, and will work as closely as possible with you to meet your child’s needs.
The Secretary of State
Department for Education (DfE)
Sanctuary Buildings
Great Smith Street
London
SW1P 3BT
Tel. 0870 000 2288
Fax. 01928 794248
Textphone/Minicom: 01928 794274
Email:
info@dfes.gsi.gov.uk
The Essex Parent Partnership Steering Group created a parent and carers survey 2011 so that parents can share their ideas about future services.
We would like to thank everyone for their contribution towards the survey and you can see a
statistical report of the results. Your feedback has been appreciated, many thanks.
Essex Parent Partnership Service (EPPS) has a helpline for parents of children who have special educational needs: 01245 436036. It provides details of voluntary organisations and parent support groups. It can also put parents in touch with an independent mediation service to help resolve disagreements between parents and schools about special educational needs.
Parent partnership officers can provide help during and after statutory assessment, by:
- Understanding the assessment process
- Filling in forms
- Preparing for meetings
- Visiting schools
The service produces a termly newsletter and range of leaflets designed to provide additional information and updates on the service for parents. It also organises a range of conferences and training sessions for parents, school staff and voluntary groups which can be found in the latest EPPS Newsletters.
There are parent partnership officers in each of the offices below.
Independent mediation offers an impartial dispute resolution service that is independent of the local authority (LA). This service is for when a parent, school or LA is unable to reach an agreement about a child’s special educational needs. It offers the chance for an independent person to become involved in helping to find a solution.
Mediation can only take place if everyone agrees to it.
Mediators are trained in mediation skills, have a good understanding of special educational needs issues and can arrange a meeting for all parties at a neutral venue.
Using mediation at any stage does not affect the right of appeal to tribunal and can work alongside the appeal process.
Some situations when mediation can work:
- disagreement over what the statement says;
- dissatisfaction with the delivery of the statement;
- disagreements with the child’s school;
- placement;
- refusal to assess by Local Authority.
An independent mediation service can be contacted via the Essex Parent Partnership Service.
Essex Parent Partnership Service
You may also find the following websites useful:
Directgov - information on special educational needs.
Families InFocus - independent parent-led charity providing holistic support to families of children with disabilities and special needs across Essex.