The current Independent Parental Supporters (IPS) register now includes over 50 volunteers who may be available to assist parents of a child with special educational needs.

 Independent Parental Supporters can help parents in the following ways: 

• Explaining letters and reports
• Assisting parents to write letters or reports
• Explaining jargon or how Children, Young People & Families services works
• Negotiating on behalf of a parent
• Providing practical support before, during and after meetings
• Supporting a parent if they wish to appeal against an local authority or school decision

IPS volunteers come from all areas of Oxfordshire and have a range of interests and expertise. They often join the scheme because they have an interest in special educational needs, having worked in Education or having been the parent of a special needs child themselves