OFSTED LIKED US! The recent Ofsted inspection of Wolverhampton LEA has made a judgement that: HAPPY 10th BIRTHDAY!

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1 P A R E N T P A R T N E R S H I P S E R V I C E WOLVERHAMPTON PARENT PARTNERSHIP SERVICE (WPPS) WORKS WITH PARENTS AND CARERS OF CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS AND PROFESSIONALS TO MEET PUPILS INDIVIDUAL NEEDS STOP PRES S! Autumn Term 2004 OFSTED LIKED US! The recent Ofsted inspection of Wolverhampton LEA has made a judgement that: The LEA s Parent Partnership Service is excellent. It provides parents with a comprehensive and highly regarded range of training and guidance and The excellent work of the Parent Partnership Service has been particularly important in ensuring the active involvement of parents in strategic developments Wolverhampton Local Education Authority, Inspection Report, May 2004 Needless to say we are delighted that all our hard work has been recognised. HAPPY 10th BIRTHDAY! Wolverhampton Parent Partnership Service From small beginnings as a Government funded parent partnership project in 1994, we have developed into a service that, we like to think, is well known and valued across the City. When we organised our first parent support group meeting, we wondered if anyone would turn up - we needn t have worried! Today, in addition to our individual support to parents, our parent activities and school based support are well established. From the growing number of calls we receive from parents and schools, we feel confident that word is spreading of our existence. We think Wolverhampton has a real commitment to working in partnership with parents to help children reach their full potential. Having co-ordinated WPPS for 9 years it has been an exciting and inspiring experience. I am so pleased with what we have achieved. I hope parents are too Wendy Wallis The Parent Partnership Team Wendy Wallis Service Co-ordinator Lucy Harris Parent Partnership Officer Maxine Kennedy Parent Partnership Officer Marina Service Admin Assistant Parent Helpline (01902) Parent Exclusion Helpline (01902) ppservice@wolverhampton.gov.uk Fax: (01902) Wolverhampton Parent Partnership Service, Jennie Lee Centre, Lichfield Road, Wednesfield, Wolverhampton WV11 3HT STO P PRESS!

2 INFORMATION FOR PARENTS & CARERS INFORMATION PACK FOR PARENTS AND CARERS OF CHILDREN DIAGNOSED WITH ASD A new ASD information pack has been produced for parents and carers of chidren who have recently been diagnosed with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), including Asperger s Syndrome. The pack is for families who live anywhere in the West Midlands. It will ensure that all parents have the information they need, when they need it. Parents of newly diagnosed children often feel bewildered and confused, not knowing who to turn to for information and support to help cope with the challenges that face them, their child and their family. The ASD pack will ensure parents and carers have the information they need right from the start. Contents of the pack include: What is an Autistic Spectrum Disorder? Professionals involved Approaches to Autistic Spectrum Disorders Who can help Living together at home Your child s education Transitions Training Publications and websites Information leaflets Packs are also being made available to those parents and carers of children who already have a diagnosis of ASD. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT NEW DEVELOPMENTS Information pack REMOVING BARRIERS TO ACHIEVEMENT The Government s Strategy for Special Educational Needs (SEN) New guidance has recently been announced by the 1. Early Intervention Government on how it will be tackling the continuing 2. Removing barriers to learning challenges within children s education such as: 3. Raising expectations and achievements 4. Delivering improvements in partnerships Too many children wait for too long to have their needs met. They want all children, wherever they are Children who should be able to be taught in educated, to have a good education that enables mainstream settings are sometimes turned away them to achieve to the full. They want parents to and many staff feel ill equipped to meet the wide be confident that their children s needs will be met range of pupil needs in today s classrooms. effectively. They want schools to have the skills Many special schools feel uncertain of their and capacity to meet the range of pupil needs, future role. expecting only those children with the most severe Families face unacceptable variations in the level and complex needs to require the type of support a of support available from their school, local statement provides. The aim will be for parents authority or local health service. and all those people working with children to work in partnership to help children reach their With these issues in mind, the Government has potential. developed a new 10 year strategy which aims to personalise learning for all children, to make This information has been extracted from education more innovative and responsive to the REMOVING BARRIERS TO ACHIEVEMENT which is available as a full document. diverse needs of individual children and to raise the achievement of children who are considered to have SEN. To obtain a copy call DfES publications on The Government s vision for the education of quoting Ref: DFES/0117/2004 children with SEN and disabilities involves an or visit the website to download a copy ambitious programme covering four key areas:

3 INFORMATION FOR PARENTS & CARERS WOLVERHAMPTON RECORD OF CHILDREN WITH A DISABILITY AND/OR SPECIAL NEED The Local Authority needs to know about your child to help get services right - so register your child! Is your child registered? - If your child is aged 0-19 and has a disability and/or a special need that means they experience some level of difficulty affecting their daily life, you can register their details on this new Record. Who can be registered? - Children with language and communication difficulties; behavioural, emotional and social difficulties; medical needs; hearing/visual impairment; profound and multiple learning difficulties; severe learning difficulties/disabilities and physical disabilities. Your child does not necessarily need to be registered on the Social Services Children with a Disability Register or have a Statement of Special Educational Need. It may be that your child is regularly seen by a medical professional, receiving therapy and/or supported in school in conjunction with the Local Education Authority support teams e.g. an educational psychologist. FEEDBACK NEEDED FROM PARENTS & CARERS! Has your child recently been issued with a Statement of Special Educational Needs? Would you like to give your views on the Statutory Assessment process? If you have recently received a statement of your child s special educational needs, you will have been sent a survey along with the final statement. The LEA s Special Needs Administration Team (SNAT) is keen to work in partnership with you to find out your views about the statutory assessment process. What are the benefits for my child? The information recorded on the register ensures that services are aware of your child s needs when planning local services and provision. The longer term impact will be that services can meet demand and ensure that you, your child and your family get the help and support you need, when you need it. Registering will mean that you can be kept informed of any developments and useful information that is relevant to your child s needs. It will also enable services to consult with you as parents when planning services and provision. This is your opportunity to tell the LEA what you think. By giving your thoughts, the LEA can ensure that the statutory assessment process is as parent friendly as possible. They do value your thoughts and opinions and will listen to what you have to say. They can t make changes if you don t tell them what s wrong! There is a pre paid envelope for you to respond or if you prefer you can call the team and give your views over the telephone on (01902) or If you would like support in completing the survey the Parent Partnership Service will be glad to help (01902) Register now! This will lead to better services and better outcomes for you, your child and your family. To find out more or for a Parent Information Pack contact or speak to the Parent Partnership Service

4 SPREADING THE NEWS There are a wide range of local organisations and support services providing regular support group meetings and/or activities relevant to children s special educational needs. These two pages include information of such activities that we are aware of. WOLVERHAMPTON ADHD FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP If you have a child diagnosed with ADHD, come along to one of our meetings Monday 13th September 2004 Guest Speaker: Peter Corr, Clinical Psychologist Practical Advice on Managing Challenging Behaviour Friday 15th October 2004 Tuesday 9th November 2004 All meetings will be at The Jennie Lee Centre, Wednesfield, 10am - 12 noon. We are also organising a Christmas Social Event (details to follow) For further information please contact: Tracey or Mandy adhdsupportgroup@blueyonder.co.uk BEACON YOUTH CLUB The club is for children with a visual impairment over the age of five living in the areas of Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell and South Staffs. Children with a sight problem who are not registered as visually impaired are welcome. Regular events include indoor football, pool, ping pong, arts and crafts, BBQs and some trips out. Every Wednesday pm Free of charge For children aged 5 and over Children can bring a guest Some transport available Parents, as you often travel a considerable distance to bring your children to the club, we have set aside a room for your use. Refreshments are available. Contact Sarah Parker for further information EXCLUSION ADVICE AND INFORMATION Has your child been excluded from school? Would you like advice and support? If your child has been excluded from school, you may want to know what happens next, what your role is and how to help your child continue with their education. Through the exclusion helpline parents and carers can access neutral, impartial advice about the exclusion process

5 SPREADING THE NEWS LET US PLAY LET US PLAY is going from strength to strength. We had a full programme of activities over the summer holiday. We are launching a three year programme of fitness for young people over the age of fourteen and cycling for all ages. We have been able to appoint an architect who is drawing up plans for the new centre in Bilston. This is a very exciting time for our Charity and we hope to start building the new centre some time next year. Our current activities are: Family Session 10am-12noon (Sat) Youth Group 7-9pm (Tues) Bouncealong 5-6 pm (Thurs) Kings Church, Park Crescent, Wolverhampton. For further information please contact Lin (01902) or Kim (01902) We would love to hear from you PARENTS AND PROFESSIONALS DAY The Children s Occupational Therapy Department are holding another of their popular training days for parents and professionals. The day will provide information and support strategies for anyone living or working with a child with dyspraxia or sensory integration difficulties. GROUP FOR PARENTS/CARERS Do you have a disabled child or a child with additional needs? Would you like to meet other parents in the local area? Do you find it difficult accessing information on special needs and services available to you? Sure Start Bilston & Ettingshall are looking to develop a group specifically for parents/carers of disabled children/children with additional needs. The group will offer opportunities to share information, advice and support in an informal setting with other parents/carers. If you would like to be involved or for more information, please call Kirsty (01902) USEFUL WEBSITES (Speech and Language Difficulties) THURSDAY 4 NOVEMBER am pm Children s Occupational Therapy Department Free for parents/carers Bring your own lunch To reserve a place contact Pam Bood Mon-Thurs (9am - 1pm) (Autism/Asperger Syndrome) (Visual Impairments) (Muscular Dystrophy) National and Local Voluntary Organisations 2004/5 This leaflet gives details of organisations able to offer help,advice and support. Call to get a free copy or download a copy from our website. (Dyslexia) (Hearing Impairments) (Dyspraxia) Any organisations wishing to publicise future events should contact us on ( )

6 INFORMATION ABOUT WOLVERHAMPTON PARENT PARTNERSHIP SERVICE WOLVERHAMPTON PARENT PARTNERSHIP SERVICE New Website education_learning/parents/partnership Find out more about WPPS Find out how we can help you Find out about special educational needs View library books available for loan Download copies of our leaflets Download education guidance Link to other organisations View forthcoming activities Contact us Your local library offers free Internet access LIBRARY BOOKS FOR PARENTS If you are on our mailing list, you are welcome to join our lending library. We have a wide range of books available on issues relevant to children s special educational needs. New titles include: Freaks, Geeks and Asperger Syndrome The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time All About ADHD Helping Children to Build Self Esteem Marching to a Different Tune Call for further information Leaflets for Parents and Carers We have a large selection of information leaflets giving guidance and information to parents and carers on issues around special educational needs. If your child experiences difficulties at school, it can be a stressful and confusing time. Our leaflets are designed to give you the information you need, in an easy-to-read format. Contact us on for further information or download our leaflets from our website (see above). Would you like to go on our mailing list to receive this Newsletter every term? Contact (01902) Can we help you? Wolverhampton Parent Partnership Service provides information and advice to parents and carers of children with special educational needs. Our confidential service offers individual support to help parents be involved in any discussions relating to their child s education. In addition parents can access a wide range of information and advice to help them increase their knowledge of special educational needs. We understand that parents often feel confused and isolated when told their child has special educational needs - we can help! Parents play an important role in their child s education and should be involved in any discussions and decisions relating to how their child s special educational needs will be met. Parents views should always be taken into account and the wishes of their child must also be considered. If you are concerned about your child s progress at school or if your child has special educational needs, you may want to talk to someone who can help you understand what this means and how you can be involved. If you feel we can help you, call

7 PARENT PARTNERSHIP SERVICE ACTIVITIES FOR PARENTS PARENT INFORMATION EVENT Does your child have special educational needs? Are you concerned about your child s progress at school? Would you like to know how your child is supported in school? WEDNESDAY 22 SEPTEMBER pm How Schools Support Children with Special Educational Needs Guest Speaker: Cathy Cleary LEA SEN Advisor Venue: Jennie Lee Centre (please use rear car park) Contact the Parent Partnership Service to reserve a place or ppservice@wolverhampton.gov.uk COFFEE MORNINGS Does your child have an Autistic Spectrum Disorder? Then come along to one of our successful coffee mornings where you can meet other parents and view our extensive range of library books on issues around ASD Friday 24th September Thursday 4th November Thursday 16th December Time: 10am - 12 noon Venue: Jennie Lee Centre ALL WELCOME WOLVERHAMPTON PARENT PARTNERSHIP SERVICE OUT AND ABOUT ACROSS OUR CITY WPPS is always keen to work with parents within the community. This term we will be available to talk to parents during a drop-in session in Bilston. If you have concerns around your child s progress in school, The Parent Partnership Service will be available to give advice on a 1:1 basis Tuesday 12th October am - 12 noon Bilston Community Centre Prouds Lane, Bilston Look out for WPPS in your community! For further information (01902) Children First Event 2004 See back page for details

8 c ia l ASD Dys alcu ADHD Dyspraxia l e x i a s Dy ADHD Dyslexia PARENT PARTNERSHIP SERVICE PARENTS AND PROFESSIONALS DAY CHILDREN FIRST 2004 Parents/carers and professionals working together to support children s special educational needs This years event will focus on... Helping Children with Specific Learning Difficulties 9am - 4pm Spee Monday 8th November c h Jennie Lee Centre, Lichfield Road, Wednesfield a n d n la g u a g e f d i f Free for parents & carers An opportunity for parents and professionals to learn together. Choose from a variety of workshops focusing on meeting the needs of children with ADHD, autistic spectrum disorders, speech and language difficulties, dyslexia and dyspraxia. Keynote Speaker Presentation on Dyslexia Friendly Schools Workshops designed to help children in the classroom and at home School Staff / Early Years Settings 15 Special offer - 10 if you attend with a parent Refeshments provided Bring your own lunch or buy from the Jennie Lee Centre Places are limited! You need to book! To receive further information & a booking form, call icul tie s ASD Dys l e x ia A D A Dyspraxia H D ASD ia H D ph Dysgra D