Parent Champion Project Adele Scotton/Jackie Edwards

Main aims of the programme Help parents to understand the benefits of quality childcare. Encourage parents to participate in early learning activities with their children. Help parents to find out about and take up formal childcare places for their children. Understand the 2 year offer.

Why we took up the scheme To increase awareness and uptake of childcare and other childcare/education services in deprived areas. Targeted approach for engaging families in the highest areas of deprivation in Liverpool. High proportion of families within these areas with more than 3 children per household. Excellent experience for participants.

Progress so far We have increased the parent champion project across Liverpool to encourage parents to use the 2 year old offer We have 24 Parent Champions across Liverpool in the most deprived areas Parent Champions: home visit, work from lists the children centers provide and hold events.

High levels of confidence through the existing Volunteers into Placement (VIP) project has helped the Parent Champions to hit the ground running. Building up the local knowledge of the areas has enabled the Parent Champions to engage with the community confidently. Information about the locality was supplied to the team by the Children Centre Managers.

Valuing volunteers! All volunteers are a valuable asset to our already stretched services. Commitment is the key Regular KIT meetings Ongoing training Opportunities to progress and develop

Success so far: This programme has demonstrated how effective parents are at spreading the word amongst other parents. Parents Champions have built up their confidence within themselves to have effective outcomes for them and their children. Job opportunities – Volunteers have a strong work ethic and are more confident to gain employment.

Liverpool Parent Champions