What is the Parent Partnership Service?

The Parent Partnership Service actively supports the central role that parents have in their children’s education.

A key role of the service is to ensure that you feel as fully involved as possible and that your views are not only heard, but also listened to and valued; the knowledge you have is essential. After all, who knows your child better than you?

The Parent Partnership Service also aims to support all schools in viewing parents as equal partners in the education of their child.

How can the Service help you?

You are eligible to use Southampton Partnership Service if you live in the city of Southampton and your pre-school child’s progress is giving cause for concern or your school-age child has a statement of special educational needs or is on “Action Plus” - you can check with the school. The service can help you by:

• Responding promptly to your questions, either by telephone or in face-to-face meetings.
• Supporting you in making contact with your child’s school, Local Education Authority Officers, or other professionals.
• Offering, as early as possible, advice and information about your child’s education.
• Accompanying you, whenever possible, to any meetings or visits concerning your child’s educational needs.
• Ensuring that any information given to you about your child’s special needs is clear, comprehensive and factual.
• Discussing support options taking into account both your needs and those of your child.

Who do I contact for more information?

In Southampton:

›	Southampton Parent Partnership Service 187a Portswood Road, Portswood Southampton, Hampshire, SO17 2NF
	023 8055 7607
	co-ord@southamptonmencap.co.uk

In addition to the independent branch of the Parent Partnership Service above, teams exists within the Education Department who are happy to discuss any matter relating to your child’s education:-

›	Special Educational Needs Service5th Floor, Frobisher House, Nelson Gate, Southampton, Hampshire, SO15 1BZ
	023 8083 3270

›	Educational Psychology Service5th Floor, Frobisher House, Nelson Gate, Southampton, Hampshire, SO15 1BZ
	023 8083 3105

In Hampshire:

Hampshire Parent Partnership Service

Hampshire’s Parent Partnership Service provides impartial advice, information and support to parents/carers of children and young people with special educational needs (SEN) throughout Hampshire. Our service is available to all families for whom special educational needs play a part.

The service we offer includes

• A confidential helpline for parents/carers
• General Information on Special Educational Needs
• Help for parents/carers to express their views
• Support through the statutory assessment process
• Help to complete forms and to understand complex documents and reports
• Home visits and support at meetings
• Presentations to support groups

›	Room 301, Children’s Services Dept, County Office, Hampshire County Council, The Castle, Winchester SO23 8UG
	01962 845870 (answerphone out of hours or if unable to take your call)
:	enquiries.pps@hants.gov.ukwww.hants.gov.uk/tc/edpp/pphome.html