Free Parenting Classes Announcement
Children’s Minister Sarah Teather has said that free parenting classes are to be trialled for two years for all parents withchildren under the age of six in Middlesbrough, High Peak and Camden.
Parents with children under the age of six in this area will be offered vouchers for the classes from mid 2012. The classes are going to be conducted due to the overwhelming evidence that a child’s development in the first five years of
their life is the biggest factor influencing their future life chances, health and education achievements.
The classes are intended for all parents, even those who do not feel they are struggling raising their children as Miss Teather aims to eliminate the stigma that hangs over parents asking for help.
The classes will be provided by parenting experts and will cover areas such as communication and listening skills, managing conflict, positive relationships within the family and the importance of parents working together as a team. The classes will also address the issue of discipline and the importance of boundaries being set for children.
The trial classes will initially run for two years and the development and impact of the classes will be monitored closely. The government are still currently working on the details but have suggested that the vouchers will be distributed through
various routes.
The shadow children’s minister Sharon Hodgson criticised the coalition’s policy towards Sure Start (which was established by Labour in the late 1990s), as the grant that funds them has been cut by up to 20%.
Here at Lewis Rodgers Winsford and Macclesfield, Cheshire we are happy to help parents with any legal issues or disputes they may encounter regarding their children. You can contact the Family Law specialists at Macclesfield, Cheshire by calling Macclesfield 01625 429114 or through our Winsford office on 01606 861 858. We offer the initial consultation in Macclesfield and Winsford free of charge. We also offer legal aid.