Parenting Early Intervention Pathfinder Intervention

The DCFS have completed a study into Parenting Early Intervention Programmes by questioning local authority officers and school staff.

Key points:
- The majority of schools (90%), in each of the 15 funded LAs, are involved in some way.
- Headteachers are central to the success of parenting early intervention.
- The involvement of schools benefits parents in a number of ways including through parenting support.
- Benefits to schools include increased involvement of parents, improved student behaviour and improved understanding by teachers of the challenges parents face.
- Barriers to continuing the programme include: lack of facilities, lack of dedicated staff, sustaining funding beyond the pathfinder and ensuring parents feel comfortable attending sessions in the school.

The authors recommend that schools and especially extended schools should play a crucial role in developing parental support and parenting early intervention.