Contact:
  • Parent Partnership Service (PPS)
  • Address:
    PO Box 25, Riverside, Keynsham, Bristol, BS31 1DN
  • E-mail:
    parent_partnershipservice@bathnes.gov.uk
  • Telephone:
    01225 394294 / 01225 394382 / 01225 394476
  • Fax:
    01225 394482
  • Minicom:
    n/a
  • Page Updated:
    21/11/2008
  • Author:
    Julie Tweedie, PPS Admin Officer
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Frequently Asked Questions

ParentPartnershipService

Q1.      My child is bullied in school, what can I do about it?

(1)   In the first instance, speak to your chil'd teacher/tutor and see what they can do about it.  Usually, the situation will be dealt with easily. 

(2)   If you find nothing changes, ask for a copy of the school's policy on how they tackle bullying so that you know what should happen.

(3)   Ask for an appointment with the Head teacher to discuss your concerns and to agree what you can both do to help improve the situation.

(4)   Read the ACE Booklet on ‘Tackling Bullying’. This will help you talk to your child about their experiences. (This is available through the Parent Partnership Service.)

(5)   Occasionally, it may be necessary to obtain help from:

  • Parent Partnership Service
  • Children Missing Education Officer (01225 394241)
  • Counselling Service

Q2.      I have a meeting with the Headteacher in school next week and would like someone to help me prepare what to say.

(1)   Contact the Parent Partnership Service to discuss your concerns.  We may be able to assist you over the telephone.

(2)   If the matter is more complex, it may be more helpful to meet one of the team to explore the options open to you.  if you would like help from one of our Independent Parental Supporters (IPS), we will try to arrange this.  Please telephone Chris Jorgensen, IPS Training and Development Officer on 01225 394382.  We ask for one week's notice for this service.

 

Q3       My child is not making progress at school. What can I do?

(1)   Ask to speak to your child's teacher to discuss your concerns.  Ask the teacher what progress is being made and obtain results of recent assessments.

(2)   Ask the teacher about strategies to help your child learn. (This may include strategies both at school and home.)

(3)   Ask the class teacher whether the school Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo) has been advised of your child's difficulties.

(4)   Ask whether the school has prepared an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or Provision Map for your child.  If they have, request a copy and ask to be involved when it is revised.

(5)   If the difficulties are complex, other professionals may already be involved (eg., Paediatrician or Speech & Language Therapist).  Ask for the school's opinion about obtaining an assessment of Special Educational Needs.  If this is being considered, your child will need a referral to an Educational Psychologist for assessment.

For further help and advice, please contact the Parent Partnership Service.

 

Q4      My child has Asperger's Syndrome and the school are not permitting him/her to go on a school trip because their behaviour is difficult to manage.  What can I do?

(1)   The school are expected to recognise any condition that has been professionally diagnosed.  This applies whether or not a child has a Statement of Special Educational Needs.  The school must also make 'reasonable adjustments' for your child.

(2)   Firstly, speak to the class teacher or tutor that advised you that your child cannot go on the school trip. Find out their reasons.

(3)   Ask the teacher what they can do to make it possible for your child to be included.

(4)   If necessary, speak to the Headteacher to ask what 'reasonable adjustments' they can put in place to enable your child to go on the trip.

(5)  If you are not satisfied with the response, contact the Parent Partnership Service, who can advise you further.