One of the UK’s leading experts in educating children with special educational needs and disabilities is coming to speak at an event in Telford to help relaunch a support service.
Brian Lamb OBE led a major inquiry into how children with disabilities and special needs were educated in schools, which formed the backbone of new Government legislation.
He is the main speaker at the launch of the Telford and Shropshire Information, Advice and Support Service (IASS) event on Wednesday May 6 at the Whitehouse Hotel in Wellington.
Parents and carers of children with special educational needs and disabilities, and professionals who work in the sector, are being invited to attend the event which runs from 9.30am to 2.30pm – and organisers said they were delighted Mr Lamb was coming to speak.
Lesley Perks, manager of the IASS, said: “It’s a real coup for us to secure Brian Lamb as he is one of the leading lights in his field.
“His report, the Lamb Inquiry, found that many parents were frustrated, even describing some as ‘warrior parents’ as they felt they had to fight for the support and services which they believed their children needed.
“His recommendations led to the Government introducing a new system in which it is hoped that parents will be less frustrated, must be listened to, and children with special educational needs and disability are given high aspirations.
“We would urge any parents, carers and professionals to come along and listen to what he has to say because it is sure to be extremely useful and thought-provoking.
“The launch event is also an opportunity for parents to hear about developments in Telford, with an opportunity to express their views to an assistant director at Telford and Wrekin Council.
“It is not often that parents have the opportunity to speak with people from the council that can actually bring about change. We are pleased to be offering this opportunity to parents and hope that lots of people will come along.
“There will also be a session covering positive ways to manage anxiety in children, which is increasingly a concern to parents so we feel the session will be very beneficial.”
The IASS is the new name for what was previously the Parent Partnership Service, and provides support directly to young people aged up to 25 years old, as well as for parents with children with special educational needs and Disabilities.
IASS is part of Telford and Wrekin CVS, based at the Glebe Centre in Wellington.
To book a place at the launch event, email info@iass.org.uk or call 01952 457176. Places are free for parents and £10 for professionals.