We develop and provide free training sessions for Parents, Carers, Volunteers and Professionals. Sessions can be planned from one hour to two and half hours.

Dates and venues
Check our calendar to see if there is a training session already being run that may be of interest. If you would like to discuss alternative topics or ask for a session to be organised near you please contact us on 01392 383080.

PARENTS AND CARERS

Training Style
Our training sessions enable you to meet other parents and carers in an informal and welcoming atmosphere. The training is usually delivered by a Devon Parent Partnership officer who will also lead small group discussions and exercises and provide you with printed information and an attendance certificate to take home.

Topics

Early Years/School Action and Early Years/School Action Plus
A session to describe the extra help available to identify and support your child’s needs

The Child’s View
How and when to obtain your child’s view of services and why they might be asked for it

How schools meet Special Educational Needs
Covering School Action and School Action Plus, Individual Educational Plans, self esteem and more

Children with SEN Achieving their Potential
This session looks at homework, progress, school records, transfer points, strengths and vulnerabilities

Statutory Assessment
Learn more about the process, the elements of a statement and what happens at an annual review

Transition
Looking at transfer to secondary school and/or into adult services

Managing Meetings
This looks at how to get the most from meetings, steps to a successful meeting and how to be more assertive

Disability Discrimination and the Disability Equality Duty
Exploring the Equality Act and the duties attached to it

Assertiveness
In this session we explore the meaning and value of being assertive, effective listening and how to be more confident in meetings

The Devon Parent Partnership Service
Who we are, what we do, an overview of special educational needs, how we
can help

VOLUNTEER IPS (Independent Parental Supporters)

Training Style
The training is usually delivered by two Devon Parent Partnership officers who will lead small group discussions and exercises, as well as provide you with printed information.

Topics
The two day course will give you a sound understanding about providing impartial support to parents and carers as they navigate the SEN journey, and it is the first step towards becoming a volunteer. You will receive an attendance certificate.

Once an approved and active IPS you will be invited to other training with DPPS officers on topics such as safeguarding or statutory assessment. In addition you will be invited to attend informal updating sessions with your named DPPS Officer.

PROFESSIONALS

Teachers, Governors, Teaching Assistants, Early Years Practitioners, Local Authority (LA) Professionals, Health Visitors, School Nurses, Social Services staff and more.

Training Style
The training is usually delivered by a Devon Parent Partnership officer. It will be delivered in a range of styles including interactive workshops, presentations and information sessions – whatever style will suit your group. You will receive attendance certificates.

Topics

Engaging with Parents
Exploring effective communication and engagement with parent/carers regarding their child’s SEND

How schools meet Special Educational Needs
This covers School Action and School Action Plus, Individual Educational Plans, self esteem and more

Resolving Disagreement
Covering conflict management styles and ways to diffuse difficult situations

Disability Discrimination
Exploring the Equality Act and the duties attached to it

Avoiding Tribunals
Understanding the statutory assessment process and what LA needs to know from schools

The Devon Parent Partnership Service
Who we are, what we do, an overview of special educational needs, how we
can help parents, schools and other professionals