SENSS Parent Partnership

Children and Student Services

The aim of Parent Partnership in Bexley is to ensure parents of children with additional needs – including the very young – have access to information, advice and guidance in relation to the special educational needs of their children so they can make appropriate and informed decisions.

The Parent Partnership Service in Bexley:

Offers practical support to parents and carers either individually or in groups to help them in their discussions with schools and/or the LEA.
Ensures that parents views are heard and understood, and inform and influence the development of local SEN policy and practice.
Offers accurate, neutral information on parental rights, roles and responsibility within the SEN process, and the range of options available for their child’s education.
Offers information about other agencies such as Health services, social services and voluntary organisations that can offer advice and information about their child’s special educational need.
Attempts to use best endeavours to provide access to an Independent Parental Supporter for all parents who want one.
Ensures that, in conjunction with the parent the ascertainable views of the child are sought and taken into consideration.
Ensures that a wide range of information for parents is available in community languages, and to parents who may not be able to gain access to information through conventional means.
Ensures that training on good communication and relationship with parents is available to teachers, governors and staff in SEN sections of the LEA.
Works with schools, LEAs and other agencies to help them develop positive relationship with parents.

All LEAs have a statutory duty to provide parent partnership services, but they do not have to deliver the services themselves.
All LEAs must provide disagreement resolution arrangements that can demonstrate independence and credibility in working towards early and informal dispute resolution. The early resolution of disputes can prevent long-term problems.
All maintained schools must publish their special educational needs policy

Statutory duties as outlined in Chapter 2 Working in Partnership with Parents
Code of Practice 2002

Your Parent Partnership Co-ordinator is:

Mary Howard
Hill View, Hill View Drive, Welling, Kent DA16 3RY

E-mail: mary.howard@bexley.gov.uk

Telephone: 020 8836 8450
(ask for SEN department)