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This is an innovative site developed and maintained by children and young people in Kingston in partnership with that borough's children and family services department, writes Alan Coombe, principal policy and practice officer, Barnardo's. It is easy to navigate and the language is clear, accessible and non-patronising. Help and advice is offered on subjects ranging from homework to bereavement, with easily found links to local and national resources. There is a link to Connexions and the facility to contact an advice worker when it helps to talk to a human. The site is very responsive to feedback.

www.pppnotts.org.uk

Nottinghamshire and Nottingham's Parent Partnership project promotes partnership between those involved with children with special educational needs, writes Alan Coombe. Communication is more one way than that of the website reviewed above. A range of leaflets is described to assist parents and carers get their views heard by professionals. I found the site a bit frustrating - it didn't provide information so much as tell me where to get it. Advocating for your child's right to the best education appropriate to their special needs is a serious matter, but I don't think the website needs to be quite so dull.

www.parentlineplus.org.uk

By contrast this site is awash with information in an accessible and inviting format, writes Alan Coombe. Its home page gives prominence to feedback, and immediately communicates that you are not alone with whatever is awry at the moment. If, for example, you need to know what to do when your child hasn't been going to school, it gives advice that is clear and detailed, but digestible. A seemingly light-hearted quiz enquiring whether your family is more like the Waltons or the Addams families soon got me thinking about my parenting style.