Choosing a Supporter

Below you will find a list of the Independent Parental Supporters who are available to support you.

The list provides a summary and brief introduction to the individuals. Only their initials are used at this stage. If, after having read the summaries, you are interested in being put into contact with any of them, please telephone us on 01708 859692 or contact us via email and we will then make the necessary arrangements.

If you would like more information or are unclear what an Independent Parental Supporter might be able to offer you please do not hesitate to contact us via email or by completing our Contact form at the bottom of this page.

DM.

I am a mother of two children; I have a daughter who is 14 years of age and a son of 10. My son has complex learning difficulties that require the need for a Statement of Special Educational Needs. As a parent I have worked closely with both infant and junior school and the Education Authority to ensure the best possible education for my child. My son has been educated in a mainstream school since the age of 4.

I am currently employed part time as a learning support assistant supporting a child with special needs within a mainstream infant school. I am also a member of two local support groups that support the families of children with disabilities.

AJS.

I am a father of two children age 12 and 14. My eldest son has Cerebral Palsy; he is in a mainstream school. I am an SEN Governor of a Primary, Secondary and Special school. Some four years ago I opted for early retirement, this has enabled me to devote all my time to supporting parents and their children, on a voluntary basis. I am also a parent member of the Disabled Children's Forum and a member of the Sunshine Centre Committee.

When our son was statemented, the only advice we had was from his physiotherapists, so we had to learn things the hard way. With the introduction of the Parent Partnership Service, parents now have support for children with special needs and other education related issues.

As an IPS I have supported parents with various issues, including exclusions and admission appeals. One of the areas that I am very interested in and well versed on is, children on the autistic spectrum. I am totally committed to supporting parents and their children in any way I can, whatever their problem.

AT.

I am a grandmother recently retired from full time work. I have had close associations with ADHD children and their parents and understand the stresses and frustrations involved. I also baby-sit a brain damaged, epileptic child most weekends.

When I was a child, youngsters with serious physical or learning problems were often kept at home where their education was quite inadequate. I am therefore very pleased that so much has now been done to redress this situation and am anxious to do everything I can to help parents liase effectively with schools and local education authorities to obtain the best opportunities for their children.

JH.

I am a full time mum to 3 children, aged 13 yrs and 11 yr old twins.

My daughter has ADHD, Aspergers Sydrome, OCD and behavioural problems, while her twin brother has learning difficulties and possible Dyslexia and Dyspraxia. All three attend mainstream senior school.

By volunteering as an IPS I have helped support families with various school issues including exclusions, bullying and the Statement process.

Please use the form below to request support from an Independent Parental Supporter.

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