Parental support and family learning
Parents have a vital role to play as the first educators of their children. Therefore, involving them in the planning, delivery and evaluation of your study support/oshl programmes can be hugely beneficial, not only to you but to the young people themselves and the family as a whole.
Developing links between family learning opportunties, and involving parents in the running of some of the clubs and activities you offer, will help to build parents confidence and further develop their skills.
At ContinYou - when we use the term/word 'parent' we are describing all mothers, fathers, carers and significant adults in a child's life. We are being as inclusive as possible.
Involving parents in their child’s learning has many advantages, not least:
- Parents can have a greater understanding of the capabilities and achievement of their child, including where they need additional support
- Learning can be an enjoyable way for parents and children to spend time together, having fun and recognising the importance of natural communication
- Parents who attend study support activities can build up greater links with the school, all staff and the wider community
- Parents can learn too, alongside their child and in some instances gain accreditation for their involvement.
Parent and family learning projects
ContinYou Parental Support and Family Learning team is dedicated to offering bespoke training and development opportunties. To find out more visit our parenting support and family learning pages.
Share and Share Plus
Share (family learning) and Share Plus (parental support) are delivered through a 'train the
trainer' model, enabling the
development of locally tailored projects which promote learning together as a family and offer accrediation to parents.
Share and Share Plus can be run across a wide range of age groups and emebedded into the wider study support plans of your school/setting. Visit the dedicated pages to find out more about how you can access the support and training packages available.
Working in partnership to support families
ContinYou has developed a user-friendly resource pack entitled Working in partnership to support families. It is designed to help paid and voluntary workers in their day-to-day roles and focuses on how to achieve the most from partnership working in this field.
Reaching out to the 'hard to reach'
The inclusive and open ethos of high quality study support can be a great motivator and enabler to encourage greater involvement of those other services and service providers may find ‘hard to reach’, including fathers.
ContinYou have gathered a range of expertise and experience together and developed two programmes focused on developing services in this way; Supporting Young Dads and Top Dads. In addition, we offer a training course on Developing Men Friendly Organisations.