Independent Parental Supporter

Could you help support a parent in a meeting with educational professionals? Or can you see yourself visiting a parent at home to help them to write their views about their child's special educational needs?

Your role as an Independent Parental Supporter (IPS) would help the parent to express their views, be involved in decision making processes and feel confident that their child is getting appropriate support.

Parents really appreciate the support an IPS gives. This is an interesting and rewarding role and you can choose to do as little or as much as you would like.

About Hampshire SENDIASS:

The Hampshire SENDIASS Service provides impartial and confidential information, advice and support for children and young people with special educational needs and/or disability and their parents and carers. 

Key tasks of the Independent Parental Supporter:

• Help parents understand paperwork or verbal advice from their child’s school or the local authority relating to their child’s education.
• Listen to parents and encourage them to be confident in expressing their views.
  
• Help parents to express their views in writing, seek clarification or request updates on progress
  
• Support parents at meetings with schools or the local authority.
  
• Signpost to other organisations when information, advice and support is required about matters other than educational issues. 

Experience:

Previous experience of special educational needs is not required.  A background in education, health or social care is useful, but a willingness to learn and an interest in SEND is essential.

Training and Supervision:

Full and ongoing training will be provided plus regular supervision sessions and meetings with Hampshire SENDIASS staff and other volunteers.

Skills

Skills and knowledge:

• Strong verbal communication skills
• Ability to provide information in an impartial way
• Ability to listen and reflect back
• Effective writing skills
• Ability to feel at ease with and relate to a wide range of people
• Tact/diplomacy and respect for confidentiality
• Trustworthy and reliable
• Ability to be objective, rational and have a balanced view on issues
• Ability to help parents consider their interpretation of situations, if and when appropriate
• Easily contactable, with enough free time to devote to the work
• Ability to see things through
• No potential conflict of interest
• Own transport