Parent Power Every parent wants the best for her/his child “Parents, carers and family members are by far the most important influences on children’s lives” Scottish Executive 2006

At 9 months there’s a clear gap in cognitive development between rich and poor children At age 11 25% of children have literacy problems – the majority from poorer families At age 16 children from wealthier families are twice as likely to get 5 good GSCEs 85% of a child’s success at school is based on factors outside the classroom Parents living in poverty tend to find it difficult to get involved with school The Achievement Gap

Parental Inclusion 1. Involve parents in school management 2. Targeted at engaging “hard to reach families” 3.“Family learning” – planned activities where children and parents learn together Schools need to be sensitive – they play a key role in mediating access of other agencies to children and families

Save the Children Families and Schools Together (FAST)

FAST FAST Created by Dr. Lynn McDonald in 1988 From at Risk to Universal – voluntary and no lectures Early intervention/prevention strategies Uses a family approach Collaborative Strengthens communities Evidence based – proven to help children succeed 1000 communities, 48 states and 8 countries, about 15 local authorities Received many awards 18/09/20155

FAST Programme Goals 18/09/20156 Strengthen Family Cohesion Strengthen the parent/child relationship. Substance abuse prevention Stress Reduction Helping the child to succeed in school Reduce Family Conflict

18/09/20157 School Community- based agencies Mental health Parents FAST Team 40 families per site cycle

FAST Process School Identifies Year Group Recruitment 8 Week Multiple Family Meetings Graduation EvaluationReferral to Community Services Monthly Follow-up Two Years 18/09/20158

Family Table Lottery Closing Circle Announcements & RAIN Siblings continue Kids’ Time 18/09/20159 Family Unit at Family Table FAST Hello & Singing Meal Scribbles Feelings Charades Parents’ Time Buddy Time Parent Self-Help Group Kids’ Time Children divided by age group for group activities Peer Group Time Special Play One-to-One Time

FAMILY MEAL 18/09/201510

CHILD ACTING OUT CHARADES 18/09/201511

BUDDY TIME 18/09/201512

PARENT’S TIME 18/09/201513

KID’S TIME 18/09/201514

SPECIAL PLAY 18/09/201515

Lottery 18/09/201516

GRADUATING AS A FAMILY 18/09/201517

18/09/ FAST WORKS

“I will now be much happier to come into the school to take an active role in my daughter’s education.” (Parent, Scotland)

What difference are we making? Teachers report improvements in children’s behaviour and in reading, writing and maths 78% of parents report less conflict in the home 77% of parents report that they are more able to support their children’s education 74% of parents have more social support 91% of parents agree that FAST has empowered them Average retention rate is over 80%

What do evaluations show? 18/09/ % Retention Rate for families in the UK

This programme will improve outcomes for: Children Families Communities Programme Influence > Policy Change > Poverty Prevention