KPPN Background

Background to Kent Parents Participation Network:

Kent Parents Participation Network (KPPN) is a network of parents and carers in Kent whose children have any kind of additional need.

KPPN aims to actively involve parents in planning and making decisions about services for families and children.

KPPN was set up as part of the Aiming High for Disabled Children Parent Participation programme. This programme aims to ensure that parents/carers are involved in strategic local decision making about the provision of services that their disabled children need. Involving parent/carers at all levels of planning and developing services is the best way of creating cost effective and responsive services that work for families.

To support the development of parent participation in England The Department for Children, Schools and Families committed some funding each year between 2008 and 2011 to support the project. This year the Department for Education has pledged to continue the funding and we are waiting to hear if our bid has been successful.

In 2008/9 a number of organisations came together to form a steering group to develop the phase 1 application. This group became the KPPN Steering Group.

Since then KPPN has achieved the following:

Parents representatives are now involved with an increasing range of decision making groups within Kent.

Parents have an opportunity to make their views know to service providers through these parent representative and through surveys, petitions and consultations organised or publicised by KPPN.

KPPN has developed this website which holds information about local support groups, training opportunities, news and forthcoming events. The website has links to a Facebook page where parents can keep in touch with each other and share ideas and experiences.

Local events have been held around Kent to inform parents about the Aiming High programme, KPPN and other services.

Free "Parents Participating Confidently" training for parents has been introduced. Training/mentoring is being provided for parents newly involved in planning and decision making.

Training has also been developed for service providers to improve their skills in working with parents.

Parents are kept informed about local and national developments through the website, the Facebook page, Twitter and a regular newsletter.

Through the above it is hoped that:

Parents in Kent will understand the decision making and planning process for disabled children & young people.

Parents in Kent will be involved in all levels of participation and represent the widest reach of parents.

Parents will be involved in planning, decision making and consulting and feel confident to give their views and fully participate.

Parents will have access to an up to date list map of all parent groups in Kent and be supported to develop groups where none exist.

Parents and parent groups will receive regular and clear information on national and local developments and networking opportunities in Kent . This information will be provided in a wide range of formats and adjusted for differing communication needs.