Literacy news
Teather promises free parenting classes
17 Oct 2011
Children under the age of six in three areas of England are set to benefit from trials of free parenting classes.
Approximately 50,000 parents in Middlesbrough, High Peak and Camden will be encouraged to participate in the trial from mid-2012. The classes are intended for all parents, even if they are not struggling with raising their children.
The classes are to be provided by parenting experts, and focus on areas such as communication and listening skills, age-appropriate play activities, and an additional focus on discipline and managing conflict.
Sarah Teather, Minister for Children, has commented,
All parents should know it's OK to ask for extra support and guidance when they need it - just as they do when they attend ante-natal classes before their child is born.
Parenting has to be one of the toughest jobs and it doesn't come with a rule book.
The trial is intended to run for two years, and it is hoped the success of the trial will encourage more parents to seek advice on what they could do to best aid their child’s development.
Read the full story at the BBC.
