Families at Willaston Primary School graduated together this week from Save the Children’s Families and Schools Together (FAST) programme.
14 families completed the eight week programme which builds stronger bonds between parents, schools and communities, to make sure children get the support they need to shine at school.
Peter Bryson, Senior Programmes Manager for Save the Children in Northern Ireland, describes how the FAST programme supports parents,
'One of the factors that influence a child’s success at school is the type of support and stimulation their parents provide at home. Another is the relationship parents have with their child’s school. That’s why FAST brings families and schools together, to help children fulfil their potential and improve their chances in life. Importantly, following completion of the FAST programme, 81% of parents reported feeling more able to support their child in his or her education. In a nutshell, this programme works – and we can measure it from our research with parents and schools.'
All those involved have noted the fun and energy FAST brings to their school. FAST builds relationships between parents and children, schools and other parents within their local community.
Rose Burton, Headteacher of Willaston Primary School, said:
'Introducing the FAST programme into the school has been hard work for everyone involved, but a very rewarding experience for us all. The parents have become a lot more confident in school during the course of the programme and we have noticed more parents coming in and playing an active role in their children’s education. It has produced a real ‘buzz’ which we aim to continue and build upon beyond the 8 weeks.
'There are many benefits of parental engagement programmes such as FAST. For example, one parent from FAST told us, “I am so happy my family got to take part in the FAST programme. I feel each family member benefited in different ways and as a family we have learned to spend more quality time together.'
FAST runs through eight-weekly sessions. During each session, children and parents take part in activities to improve educational outcomes and wellbeing, including eating a family meal together, family play, learning and communication activities and one-to-one parent-child support. Parents also have the chance to work on community-building and to take part in one-to-one sessions with other parents.
FAST has been funded by Lloyds Banking Group as part of its 2011-2014 Charity of the Year partnership which raised funds to support Save the Children’s work in the UK.
