What Is Families And Schools Together Team?

This small team was brought together in 2004 to respond to the needs of schools as they developed more opportunities for parents to access support through schools, or become more involved in school and their childrens education, especially through the Extended Schools initiative. Following a pilot project, the main focus during 2005 - 2007 has been an extensive programme of training in STEPS, an inspiring self development programme which raises confidence and aspirations of parents and families. Other important aspects of the work include an emphasis on partnership working, contribution to relevant strategies, and other support for schools and partners. We aim to work with schools and agencies as they seek to work in a positive way with parents and families

TRAINING

Providing Training to staff in schools and partner agencies to enhance their ability to work with parents e.g. STEPS, Volunteer Training, Transition

SUPPORT

Providing support for schools and partners through advice, information, visits, network events, Investors in Families framework and by facilitating partnerships.

STRATEGY

Contributing to shaping and implementing strategies for the city in Family support, Parenting and Family Learning, including partnership projects.

Why are we working in partnerships to support children and families?

"The Governments aim is to ensure that every child, irrespective of race, gender, background or circumstances, gets the best start in life and the ongoing support that they and their families need to allow them to fulfil their potential... ...it wants to do this in a partnership with active, responsible parents and empowered communities, supported by public services that deliver packages of support tailored to families needs."

Support for Families

"The parents role is central to the well-being and development of their children, not just in the early years, but through to adulthood."

"Good parenting (what parents do rather than who they are) can help children to overcome disadvantage."

Parents involved in learning

"In the early years, parental aspirations and encourage-ment have a significant impact on children"s cognitive development."

"Almost 50per cent adults have difficulty with numbers and one seventh struggle with reading and writing."

Higher aspirations in families

"Parental involvement accounts for at least 10per cent of the variance in academic attainment not explained by social class."

"How parents engage in their children"s learning, especially in the early years, has a much greater impact on their children"s attainment than schools."

"Where parental problems impact negatively on a child, an intervention aimed only at the child will not have a sustained impact."

Support for Schools

Leeds Parenting Consultation:
Most families wanted support to be available in schools or children"s centres.

Leeds Parenting Consultation:
Behavioural issues were noted as the most challenging aspect of being a parent.