Independent Parental Supporters (IPS)

What do Independent Parental Supporters (IPS) volunteers do? 

They work alongside us to support parents/carers of children with special educational needs.  They may:

  • visit parents to offer information and support regarding their child's educational needs,
  • go with parents/carers to meetings at school or with the Local Authority,
  • help parents/carers with paperwork,
  • signpost parents to other agencies which may be able to help them.

What does PPS offer to volunteers?

  •  training
  • expenses for work-related travel and telephone calls
  • regular team meetings.

Who can be an IPS volunteer? 

They come from many different backgrounds, although many of them are parents/carers themselves. 

A  volunteer should:

  • be interested in special needs, disability and education.
  • want to help parents work in partnership with schools and Local Authorities.
  • want to help parents play an active and informed role in their child's education.
  • be aware of the need for confidentiality in dealing with parents and children.
  • enjoy working as part of a team and be prepared to attend regular team meetings.
  • be prepared to take part in a programme of accredited training.
  • have some spare time available, particularly during term-time.
  • be prepared to undergo a CRB check and provide personal references.

What does the training involve?

PPS offers volunteers a 17 session training course leading to an Open College Network accreditation.

The course covers 7 areas of IPS work:

  • how to be an effective IPS
  • Special Educational Needs law and guidance
  • Schools and Early Years settings
  • Statutory Assessments and Statements
  • Annual Reviews
  • working with other voluntary and statutory agencies
  • complaints, appeals and mediation.

Volunteers are asked to produce a portfolio.  They  are also offered ongoing training, the opportunity to attend workshops and conferences and to shadow PPS team members.


If you are interested in becoming a volunteer -  contact us .

Sorry - we are not currently training volunteers, but please let us know if you think you would be interested in the future.