Family and parenting
support in children's centres
Sure Start Children's Centres
offer a variety of support for parents, carers and families,
including courses, workshops and a chance to discuss issues. Ideas
are offered for ways to improve family relationships, and
individual support and outreach services may also be
offered.
The idea of the family support in Children's Centres is to
offer encouragement in the early stages, and to work with parents
and carers to resolve issues before they become bigger
problems.
Families come in all shapes and sizes and one answer will not suit
everyone. Family Support workers and Outreach workers in children's
centres can discuss with parents their options and signpost to
other agencies where necessary.
As well as individual support, Children's Centres can offer
parenting courses. Parents and carers do struggle from time to time
with bringing up children and creating a family environment that is
loving, supportive and predictable. The biggest issue is often
managing children's behaviour and encouraging them to develop to
reach their full potential.
Triple P is a positive parenting programme for all families. It
is backed up by 25 years research and has been shown to work in
Australia and the United States, as well as here in the UK. In
Newham, of the many parents who have attended Triple P seminars and
groups the majority are pleased with the way the use of the Triple
P strategies have improved their relationships with their
children.
Triple P gives parents a chance to learn and then practice new ways
to develop the relationship between them and their child. The
programme includes methods to promote good behaviour and handle
misbehaviour directly.
Triple P has five key principles:-
- Ensuring a safe interesting environment where children can
explore, experiment and develop their skills
- Creating a positive learning environment by being available
when children need help, care or attention.
- Using assertive discipline by being consistent and acting
quickly when children misbehave
- Having realistic expectations for children and yourself as a
parent.
- Taking care of yourself as a parent and ensuring your personal
needs are met.
In Newham there are many Triple P trained practitioners in schools,
children's centres and other venues who can support parents. The
programme is designed for mums, dads and carers of children in 2
age ranges, and includes:-
To find out where the next free seminar is taking place please call
0203 373 9668.
To find out more about all the support on offer under our parenting
programmes, please
contact your local children's centre, or us via email
customer.services@newham.gov.uk or freephone 020 8430
2000.