GPPS — Impartiality Policy

Introduction

The Special Educational Needs Code of Practice (2001) states that Parent Partnership Services must ensure that local parents are provided with:

'accurate, neutral information on their rights, roles and responsibilities within the SEN process, and on the wide range of options available, to enable them to make informed decisions.' (SEN Code of Practice 2001:26)

Aim

Gloucestershire Parent Partnership Service (PPS) is an 'in house' service that operates at 'arms length' from the local authority. The services aims to be impartial in all its dealings, not favouring any person or party more than another, but striving to be fair and unbiased, whilst presenting factual information and guidance in order to bring about a resolution to the issues with which it is presented.

The Steering Group

  • The steering group has representation from a number of agencies and professionals involved with parents and young people with additional needs. The group includes parents who have been involved with the service and who are well placed for providing a parental perspective on its effectiveness in service delivery.
  • Meetings are currently chaired by the manager of the service but the aim is that the role of the Chair should be performed by other members of the steering group to ensure the independence of the group. Nominations will be sought by the Chair from amongst the membership at the first meeting of each academic year and the chair will then serve for the remainder of that year.
  • At each meeting, reports are presented by the Manager followed by discussion and an exchange of views. Minutes are taken at each meeting and are circulated to all members; approval of the minutes is sought at the next meeting. Action points, noted in the minutes, are acted upon by the relevant people within agreed timescales.
  • The role of the steering group is:
    • to offer views and advice to inform the practices of the service,
    • and monitor the effectiveness of service delivery and through in depth questioning provide a source of accountability.

Demonstrating Impartiality

The parent Partnership Practice Guide (Stone, 2004:20) states that an impartial stance is demonstrated by:

  • Reflecting the perspectives and wishes of parents.
  • Being seen not to have a vested interest in the outcome of any discussions.
  • Ensuring that staff and volunteers who attend decision-making meetings are clear whether their role is:
    • To support or represent an individual
    • To contribute and discuss on strategic issues.
    • To participate in making decisions.

Supporting Parents

For Gloucestershire Parent Partnership Service, the practical implications for the service delivery are:

  • Parent Partnership staff may put forward the wishes and views of parents either during meetings or telephone calls whilst, at the same time, ascertaining the views of professionals involved with the family.
  • Staff who may hold positions associated with the school (such as school governor or clerk to the governors) will not work with parents at the same school; on such occasions another member of staff may assist the family.
  • Where possible staff will not assist parents that they already know; casework will be passed to another member of staff.
  • PPS staff will signpost parents to other agencies that enable them to verify the impartiality of information and advice provided.
  • Where possible, and circumstances permit, Parent Partnership staff will state their role at the beginning of meetings they attend in order to clarify the position taken.

Liaising with Education Professionals

The role of the service is to empower parents by providing them with information, advice and guidance that includes relevant national legislation and its application through local policies, as well as helping them to understand the pros and cons of any decisions they ultimately take. Parent Partnership Service staff may have consent from parents to act as an intermediary by relaying their perspective to school or local authority professionals. This does not indicate bias in the favour of the parent, nor does it represent the views of PPS staff.

Consultation

  • The service is working to establish a parent's forum for parents of children with special educational needs through which consultation may take place. Occasional collaboration with partner organisations may permit wider consultation by targeting parents of disabled children.
  • The service is seeking to improve its evaluation and feedback from service users and partner organisations.

Policy approved by the Parent Partnership Steering Group

Signed: (Chair)

Dated: 22nd May 2008

Gloucestershire Parent Partnership Service — Impartiality Policy [52kb] [Opens in New Window]