Introducting Parent Information Contacts (PIC's)

Information, where you want it…when you want it,
It’s a simple idea-but one that could well make a difference!

PARENTLINK run a helpline for parents and carers of children and young people with special educational needs.

We man a helpline 01273 481172 (I know what you are thinking if you have tried to contact us-the answer phone is often on). This is true, and demonstrates that we are dealing with many calls, a lot of them seeking help on a whole range of issues. Issues, which often impact on the whole family and on their child(ren) in school.

There are a whole range of support organisations (voluntary and statutory, national and local) that are able to help. Currently many are localised and it’s a bit of a nightmare trying to keep up with it all.

We were therefore DELIGHTED to learn that KITES (well known for their childcare database) had been commissioned to collate all this support information. ESCIS already hold a lot of information and it’s certainly worth
a look!

However not everyone knows about these databases and not everyone has access to the Internet. It’s hard to find your way through the maze! An idea was born!

The Parent Information Point

We are offering all schools the opportunity to have a member of their school community nominated as a Parent Information Contact(PIC). They would be trained and supported to point parents in the right direction-that is towards someone who could help. Each school would also be supported to develop a Parent Information Point where a range of relevant information and leaflets will be available to parents and carers.

Interested in finding out more? Demonstrating an interest in the scheme to your school -or being a PIC yourself?

Ring our helpline 01273 481172 or e mail parentlink@eastsussex.gov.uk


The Parent Information Contact
Your Parent Information Contact (PIC) Board might include the following:

Parentlink will offer TRAINING in 4 different locations:
Eastbourne, Uckfield, Hastings and Lewes early in the autumn term
Look out for information in the VIRTUAL SCHOOL BAG, on fliers and on ESCC website
The core training will cover:

• The practicalities of the PARENT INFORMATION POINT (the leaflet stand,
  poster etc)
• Making the service accessible
• Who can help? -The leaflet starter kit, ESCIS http://www.escis.org.uk/ database and support from Parentlink
• Listening skills
• Confidentiality
• Child Protection
• Evaluating the service

There can also be ongoing training and sessions available to cover specific issues according to demand Want to know more? Contact parentlink@eastsussex.gov.uk
or tel 01273 481279.