We support professionals working with parents with learning difficulties and learning disabilities and their children. Promoting the welfare of these children is paramount to all organisations and individuals within the network. The WTPN:

• Provides a UK-wide network for professionals sharing positive practice including four regional groups in England and country-wide networks in Scotland and Wales.
• Seeks to engage with key stakeholders from (adults and children’s) social care, health, legal and independent advocacy sectors to work towards a common vision and effective ways of joint working.

Whilst our network in England is for professionals, we also take advice from groups of parents with learning difficulties who ensure that parents’ views are central to our philosophy and outputs.

Information for parents with learning difficulties can be found at:

• Plain Facts - fact sheets produced by Norah Fry Centre for Disability Studies - Plain Facts 38, Plain Facts 47, Plain Facts 49.
• Change

In Scotland and Wales, close links have developed with People First and self-advocacy groups and network activity there involves both parents and professionals.

The WTPN uses the term 'parents with learning difficulties' to describe the adults supported by our members, as this is the parents’ preference. We recognise, however, that the term 'adults with learning disabilities' is often used to describe this group, particularly within the statutory framework, and so this is the term used in the WTPN 2021 Good Practice update (PDF, 1,179kB)‌

We are grateful to the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation for their support of the WTPN.

To join the Working Together with Parents Network, please complete the online membership form.