Parentalk (Southwark)
Key Facts
Location
Project Criteria
Contact
Martin Roberts
Email
Project funding
£85,000
Funding round
The Transition Programme (TTP) is an initiative that responds to the issues which most concern parents as their children transition to Secondary education in year 6/7. This includes drugs and alcohol, bullying and behaviour, sexual health and teenage pregnancy, communication and boundaries and 'letting go'.
The Transitions Programme engages parents over these felt needs and provides a facilitated opportunity to discuss issues in a friendly, hospitable environment with a group of other parents who are in a similar position. All parents are sent invitations by post through the local school pyramid system and particularly identified and invited through the pastoral and intervention systems in place. Local media (the press and radio) are also used to attract parents.
The four Transitions Programme sessions are hosted by the school over 4 consecutive weeks (either side of the half term break) and facilitated by Parentalk staff but 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. TTP is an opportunity for schools to show their curriculum materials and to consult with parents regarding their policies regarding homework, home/school agreements, extended schools, anti social behaviour, the Respect agenda, Healthy schools and other local concerns.
The course objective is to increase parents' knowledge and confidence in talking to their young people about these issues but also give parents the opportunity to "off load" and seek support for themselves. Experience demonstrates that over 75% of the parents express the desire to take this further through attending a follow-on parenting course which Parentalk can deliver using its course. We are seeking funding for a part time Transitions programme coordinator, based at the Jubiliee Family Centre, Aylsham and associated costs for developing course materials, supporting and inducting the member of staff and for the formal evaluation.