Parentalk (Peterborough)
Key Facts
Location
Project Criteria
Contact
Martin Roberts
Email
Project funding
£82,130
Funding round
The 'Moving Up' Transition Programme is an initiative that responds to the issues which most concern parents as their children move to Secondary education in year 6/7. These include drugs and alcohol, bullying and behavior, sexual health and teenage pregnancy, communication, boundaries and 'letting go', controlling use of the internet/mobile phone and stress. The 'Moving Up' Transitions Programme engages parents over these concerns by facilitating discussion in a friendly, hospitable environment with a group of parents going through similar experiences. The Parenting Fund grant is being used for a part-time Transitions coordinator and development of the programme materials.
All parents are sent invitations by post through the local school pyramid system and via the pastoral intervention systems in place. Local media (the press and radio) are also used to attract parents. The school hosts the four 'Moving Up' Transitions Programme sessions over 4 consecutive weeks (either side of the half term break) and while facilitated by Parentalk staff, they always involve local professionals. The Educational Psychologist, a school nurse, Healthy schools coordinator or other professionals may lead a whole session or engage in an interview session. Moving Up is used by schools to explain the curriculum and to consult with parents on policies covering homework, home/school agreements, extended schools, anti social behavior, the Respect agenda, Healthy schools and any other local concerns including double transition in Norfolk and new City academies in Peterborough.
As well as increasing parents' knowledge and confidence in talking to their young people about these issues it gives parents the opportunity to 'off load' and find support for themselves.