Towards a more ordinary life

Title: Towards a more ordinary life

Date: July 2011

Author: Together for Disabled Children

http://media.education.gov.uk/assets/files/pdf/t/towards%20a%20more%20ordinary%20life%20summary%20report.pdf

Description of resource: This comprehensive report from Together for Disabled Children (TDC) details the evidence and learning from 3 years of the Aiming High for Disabled Children programme on parent participation and short breaks.  Throughout the report are short identified good practice examples, which demonstrate  progress and innovation.

A bit more about it:

• It contains very helpful information in relation to data modules and costs which provide a really good evidence base for agencies wanting to build on progress in a time of financial challenge;
• There is a useful executive summary for busy readers and helpful sections identifying  key factors for success in both parent participation and short breaks;
• Other useful sections which could be looked at as stand alone are those on personalisation approaches and the commissioning of voluntary and community sector organisations; and
• A key analysis of the factors and challenges in working with and sustaining parents forums which provide essential reading.

Key points in relation to principles:

• The evidence on the core involvement of parents leading to more cost effective services and higher satisfaction rates is overwhelming;
• There is some evidence of children and young people participation but this is clearly an area for greater development.
• The VCS chapter is helpful and points out  both successes and areas for change in both local authority and VCS approaches;
• Leadership emerges and a key issue for success, with no one model recommended but clear evidence of that without it success is difficult; and
• The report highlights workforce issues and challenges and the need to continue to invest in skills development to ensure continued progress.