A celebration event has taken  place in Cheshire West to welcome the latest 10 volunteers who help  parents and carers who have children with special educational  needs.

The volunteers work with the council’s Parent Partnership so informed decisions can be made  about a child’s education.

The celebration marked the latest  volunteers from across the borough  passing a course which is practical  and uses case studies. They were  joined by experienced volunteers at  the event which took place at  Ellesmere Port Civic Hall.

Councillor Mark Stocks, executive  member for education and children,  said: “I would personally like to  thank all our volunteers who have  such valuable and important roles.

 “The volunteers are crucial in  enabling us to help parents and  carers who have children with special educational needs, to make informed decisions about their child’s  education and to become partners  with professionals.

“The aim of the Parent Partnership is to empower parents and  carers by providing a confidential  and impartial source of independent advice and support. It does not  make decisions for parents and  carers.”

The volunteers come from all over  Cheshire West and Chester and  from all walks of life. Some have  helped the Parent Partnership for  many years.

They complete an initial accredited training course which gives  them invaluable experience and in  depth knowledge of the special educational needs processes and procedures.

Some of the things volunteers can  help parents and carers with include:

  • Preparation for meetings with  school or the council.
  • Help to express concerns during  meetings
  • Explain the education system,  the structures and roles of professionals and any confusing terminology
  • View schools
  • Complete forms
  • Signpost to any relevant information or other organisations that  may also be able to help.
  • Hold various information events  about special educational needs  throughout the year
  • Help to run a parent /carer forum which meets each term at various venues across Cheshire West.

Mark Parkinson, the council’s  head of service for achievement and  wellbeing, presented certificates  and said: “This was a wonderful  occasion and all our volunteers  need a special ‘thank you’ for all  their care and hard work.

“They help parents and carers  through what can be a complicated  process to make sure that their  child has a place at the correct  school and I know that our volunteers are highly regarded.”