ACE was founded in 1960 by the successful social entrepreneur Michael Young, Lord Young of Dartington. We provide the information, support and high-quality advice that parents need to help their children at school, particularly where there are problems.
Our vision is a fair education system for all. So, for the benefit of every child, young person and family, our mission is to promote fairness and opportunity in education by:
- Empowering parents and carers
- Encouraging positive changes in education law and policy
- Promoting good practices in the education system
Why is ACE different?
We are unique in having day to day contact with parents all over the country on a whole range of issues. This wide expertise is valued by parents as children’s problems rarely relate to just one issue.
In 2010/11 we spoke to over 12,000 parents and over 115,000 visited our website. Hearing parents describe their experiences gives us privileged access to how education law and practice impacts on children and parents, and allows us to speak with authority on behalf of parents facing difficulties with the education system.
We are working to make our services available as widely as possible. Our helplines are freephone numbers, giving equal access to parents throughout the country, and most of our publications are downloadable free of charge from this website. Our Education Step-by-Step project provides access to our expertise via specially-trained local advisers, who particularly seek to help minority ethnic groups, refugees and disadvantaged families.
ACE is a member of AdviceUK and the Helplines Association (THA). ACE advice lines hold the Parent Know Telephone Helplines Association Enhanced Quality Standard.
ACE's Values
We believe that is essential to be:
Independent
The advice, information and training we give is accurate, impartial and not subject to the political climate of the day.
Expert
We draw on 50 years of work in the education field. Our team of advisers have an unrivalled understanding of education law, policy and practice and how these impact on children and families.
Responsive
Our day-to-day contact with parents and carers is at the heart of all we do. We develop our services according to the needs of families and changes to law, policy and practice.
Proactive
We work to improve education law, policy and practice as they affect the rights and experiences of parents, carers and children.
Collaborative/co-operative
We work in partnership with others to improve the education system for children. We believe that parents and carers, children, schools, governors, local authorities and government should all be equal partners in education.
Inclusive
We give parents and carers the information and strategies they need to support their child at school. We have a particular commitment to reach out to the marginalised and those who find themselves excluded from the system.
Accessible
We use straightforward language which is designed to simplify the complexities of the education system and make it understandable to everyone.
