pinpoint 2012 conference Are we nearly there yet? An update on pinpoint parent participation work Lynn Powell, pinpoint Operations & Development Manager

About pinpoint for parents by parents Information Support and development Participation Focus on families with additional needs  learning, health, mental health or social care  living in poverty

Background – Cambridgeshire’s model

Parent carer participation network – regional and national links National Network of Parent Carer Forums 151 local parent carer forums funded by DfE Eastern Region network Markers of good practice on participation pinpoint is Cambridgeshire’s representative

Parent carer participation – supporting the step up from consultation “Consultation is often mistaken for participation, but it is part of the whole process of participation. Participation is about parents playing a full part in the decision-making process and is usually a continuous exercise. This requires practitioners to create the right environment for this to happen…” (Contact a Family quote extracted from Cambridgeshire’s Parent Carer Involvement Strategy)

Who we know is listening Health and mental health support action plan Short breaks duty statement – new leaflet SEND Strategy – informed key priorities Clearer information on transition - new leaflet Better continence service - action group set up Wider range of breaks – commissioned with parents More help with getting benefits –commissioned Emotional support for parent carers - commissioned Extra sleep support - commissioned

Who else we know is listening Specialist ASC provision in Cambridgeshire – commissioned with parent representative Coordinated parent participation work – commissioned Early Support for all – re-launched Hospital passport - Addenbrooke’s Hospital and others Pamper days – extended to parent carers Support for siblings’ needs – training provided ‘SCIP card’ – carer leisure card (work in progress) There are more, and there will be some we won’t know about.

Is the parent participation network making a difference? Yes, we have come a long way… Commissioning, monitoring and evaluation of services is better informed through listening to parents  commissioners and service managers regularly attend our network meetings  parents are represented on many decision- making groups and panels  Evidence shows parent participation is leading to more cost effective use of resources (Contact a Family/NNPCF: Parent Participation – an overview)

Are we nearly there yet? We’re getting there, but we need to… get better at evidencing where it is making a difference engage more people – parents, services and organisations Which means:  improving 2-way feedback  identifying cost benefits and savings  giving it time to grow

Why is it important now? challenging financial situation  reducing budgets more people needing support  less money to go around need to ensure most effective use of reducing resources  service users know what works best  increased accountability for use of public resources

Parent participation in action - pinpoint 2012 conference opportunity to work together  listen to each other’s views chance to share information openly  make informed decisions opportunity to influence those responsible  Councillors  Executive Director of Children & Young People’s Services  School governors

Parent participation network – how you can find out more Phone us on us at Visit us at 17 Bridge Street, St Ives, PE27 5EH Support our events cambs.org.uk/events/forthcomingwww.pinpoint- cambs.org.uk/events/forthcoming Visit us at Follow us on twitter Like us on facebook Sign up at Invite us to your meetings or events