Thursday 26 January 2012
Bringing parents together
With more than 2,500 children with muscular dystrophy or a related condition attending schools in the UK at any given time, we find that we are called on regularly to support parents and help them navigate the challenges they face throughout their child's educational life.
With this in mind, the Care and Support team at the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign has this week launched the exciting Parents Education Network (PEN).
A peer-to-peer support network aimed at getting parents with a child with a neuromuscular condition talking with other parents in similar situations, PEN is the first initiative of our drive to improve services to parents and schools.
Phillippa Farrant, parent, Muscular Dystrophy Campaign trustee and head of the Duchenne Family Support Group, said:
The education system is a minefield and it can be tricky to find the right solutions for a child with a neuromuscular condition. The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign has come up with a great idea, in setting up PEN. Exchanging information with other parents can be invaluable as well as a real relief to families to know that they are not the only people struggling with the same situation.
PEN will give parents the opportunity for open discussion with other parents about issues relating to their child's education. These issues could include Special Educational Needs (SEN) statements, choosing the right school, transition, along with the vital emotional and practical support from other parents. PEN will also offer support and advice from schools and educational experts, such as Ruth Bryan, a SEN teacher with 25 years' experience, who will regularly answer questions posted on the site.
Nic Bungay, Director of Campaigns and Care, said:
Parents are too often faced with unnecessary struggles when it comes to their child's education. Our new network will help them to make informed decisions through parent-to-parent support. PEN will inform and empower parents to tackle these challenges head on to ensure that their child receives an inclusive and holistic education, and will offer them the vital support from other parents in similar situations.
If you are a parent and would like to join PEN, or would like more information about the network, please contact David Moore-Crouch in the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign's information team on 020 7803 4808 or info@muscular-dystrophy.org
