'Parties must offer proper parenting support - here’s why it’s a vote winner'
Today’s Education Committee report confirms the huge challenge in finding affordable and available childcare that works for parents.
Childcare has, for many months now, been the hot topic of conversation for all political parties. The Government recently announced the largest expansion of public investment in childcare on record, while Labour is promising childcare reform on a scale similar to the creation of the NHS.
Choice, flexibility and support are not just the watchwords of what parents want from their early years providers, but across the spectrum of family policy, too. As childcare chatter continues, neither party has yet committed to a comprehensive policy of parenting support, yet doing so would be a huge boost to children and families, as well as their own electoral fortunes.
The importance of parenting often slips down the agenda, despite their power to impact early development, schooling, behaviour, and many other areas that contribute to the best start to life.
Take the pandemic as a key example. It reminded us just how important parents are to child development and wellbeing. Not only did parents step up to provide home learning for their children, they also navigated the emotional challenges of the lockdowns. Whilst the circumstances thrown at us by the pandemic were extraordinary, in many ways this is all part of parenting - unexpected challenges can present themselves every single day.
Teachers, civil servants and train drivers walk out in biggest strike in decade
Matt Buttery - CEO of global parenting programme provider, Triple PWith increased recognition of their vital role, we must provide parents with access to early years settings and high quality services that can help them to overcome key challenges. We have all seen the numbers on child mental health, with almost one and a half million children referred to mental health services in 2022. Triple P’s own research has shown that most parents feel parenting is the most important job they will ever do, and yet 75% feel there is stigma attached to asking for help. The case for more support is clear - and knowing where to find it is half of the battle.
That’s why I am so pleased to see the Select Committee recommend a national roll out of the Family Hubs, beyond the 75 Local Authority areas announced to date. Evidence-based parenting programmes, as a key part of Family Hub services, give parents the choice and flexibility to seek help either in person or from the comfort of their own home.
The Australian Government’s approach provides a successful blueprint, having launched a nationwide roll-out of online parenting programmes last year. It has been a resounding success, with parents and carers reporting feeling calmer, more confident and having a better understanding of their children’s needs.
The UK was once celebrated as a world leader in championing support for parents thanks to initiatives such as Sure Start and the Parenting Early Intervention Programme. Both programmes demonstrated that evidence-based parenting programmes achieve positive outcomes for parents and children. If the UK wants to regain this status, political parties need to be led by the evidence and prioritise parenting support at the next election.
Early years education is critically important, but it’s parents who create a home environment that stimulates learning, supports wellbeing, and helps children to grow and develop. The Australian Government has recognised this, and their world-leading approach is meeting a previously unmet demand. It’s something that can and should be replicated in the UK - and it’ll be a genuine vote winner with parents.
Matt Buttery is CEO of global parenting programme provider, Triple P UK and Ireland, and an Honorary Associate Professor at the University of Warwick.
* Follow Mirror Politics on Snapchat, Tiktok, Twitter and Facebook.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
