Parents' room/services in special schools

[theheadgirl]

Hi everyone. I've today received a letter from DD3's special school (which is a truly wonderful place) inviting me to a coffee morning to open the new parents' room. It asks for ideas for the sorts of things we want it used for, and what sort of training and info they can organise on our behalf.
I was thinking of suggesting a regular coffee morning just so parents can meet each other - we don't meet very often as our children are mainly collected by bus. Also some "official" Pecs training. The school regulary does Makaton courses already.
Just wondered what anyone else has got going on in theie child's school which has proved useful - or perhaps what they would like to see which is not happening?

[Davros]

At my son's last school we used to meet once every month for "resource making". The staff would leave time-consuming projects for us to do for them, e.g. laminating PECs etc, putting books together, making anything they needed in the classroom. This worked really well as we were valued by the staff, it gave us a purpose while we gossiped and meant that the classrooms actually had more and better materials. It was also a great way for new parents to meet others as it was always informal and fun. You could also have Makaton training or practice, talk about specific topics and share advice/experience such as behaviours as sleep issues, eating at home (often different to school). Get some useful books in to the parents' room rather than clogging up shelves at home, share them. Make PECs etc for use at home. I'm sure I could think of lots more if you want to be bored further!

[theheadgirl]

Excellent ideas Davros - I'm sure I wouldn't be bored if you've got more......
Has anyone's school organised "official" Pecs training? Just wondered how useful/expensive it was?

[mymatemax]

Our school has also arranged manual handling training by the Physio.
What about a notice board for sn clubs etc to be advertised & parents to sell outgrown sn equipment.

[moondog]

Fab ideas.
I am trying to get the schools i work in involved in something like this (ep PECS resource making over a cuppa).

It is easy to forget how valuable it is to bring parents together like this.For one thing,the support and knowledge that they share can really ease the burden on overstretched health and education staff. The parents are not having the school gate chats that other parents are and miss out on so much.

When do you meet Davros?

[moondog]

Headgirl, we also organised mass PECS training for about 400 people (staff and parents).It was fabulous and very cost effective.