NEWS RELEASE

PR 1741

For Immediate Release                                                                                            

21 May 2004

Supporting parents of children with special educational needs

BATH & North East Somerset Council is looking for volunteers who could spare a few hours a week to support parents or carers of children with special educational needs.

The Council’s Parent Partnership Service aims to recruit volunteers who can give face to face support, help write letters, prepare for, and attend meetings with the school or local education authority.

Free training is given to volunteers and a course to help learn the skills needed is being held at First Step Nursery in Twerton, Bath, from Wednesday, June 9. This six week course involves one weekly session from 9.30am to 2.30pm and a light lunch and crèche facilities are provided.

Jean Hughes, Parental Support Co-ordinator, said: “Bath & North East Somerset Council is delighted to be able to offer this new service to parents of children with special needs. As any parent will testify, having children takes up a lot of time but if your child has special educational needs extra time and support is often needed.

“We would love to hear from anyone who has had experience of dealing with children with special educational needs or indeed anyone who thinks they would be suitable to offer support to parents.”

To book a place on the course, which will re-run in October, contact Jean or Maureen Glynn on Tel: 01225 394382 or 394294.

For more information, contact:

Jean Hughes or Maureen Glynn, Parent Partnership Service Co-ordinators, on Tel: 01225 394382 or 394294 or e-mail jean_hughes@bathnes.gov.uk or maureen_glynn@bathnes.gov.uk

For comment, contact:

Cllr Francine Haeberling, Executive Member for Social Services, on Tel: 01225 872199 or e-mail francine_haeberling@bathnes.gov.uk

Issued by: Bath & North East Somerset Press Office, tel 01225 477827 or 477283, email: pressoffice@bathnes.gov.uk