Partnership Key Principles and Values

These key principles underpin the work of the Service, to encourage effective partnership working in the area of special educational needs.

Partners in this context are defined as parents, children, schools and other relevant statutory or voluntary agencies. The role of the Independent Parental Supporter is to support the parents within the context of this partnership.

All Partners are equal

• All partners should be given the information that they need
• All partners should respect and value others’ viewpoints
• All partners should have the opportunity to take part in discussions informing the decision making process
• All partners should have support available to them to help them become equal partners, for example language, literacy or emotional support

All Partners Have Rights And Responsibilities

• All partners should have realistic expectations of what can be achieved
• All partners should be informed of the funding arrangements for meeting a child’s needs

The Child Is Central To The Process

• All partners should recognise the child’s strengths, interests and positive achievements
• The child’s views should be considered
• All partners should look for the best way of finding out the child’s views, taking into account his/her age and understanding
• All partners should stick to deadlines, keep appointments and respond quickly. Any problems in doing this should be shared immediately
• All partners should have time to listen and think carefully. Time given at an early stage can reduce worries and disagreement later
• All partners are under pressure of time and need to understand each other’s pressures

Respect, Trust And Honesty Are Vital

• All partners should be open and honest with each other.
• A common language should be used for all meetings, letters and telephone calls. Where it is necessary to use technical terms, they should be explained to all partners.
• All partners should listen to each other and make sure that their views have been understood.
• All partners should acknowledge that each has valuable knowledge and information that should be shared.

Shared Aims Should Be Identified And Maintained

• All partners should keep on working together, even when agreement cannot be reached
• All partners should be working together in the interest of the child
• All partners should acknowledge that decisions made will have lasting impact on the life of the child and the family.