Nursery World - Taking away the stigma of helping parents

Parenting is the ‘golden thread’ that runs through so many of the policy areas that improve the lives of children and families, asserts Matt Buttery, and that is why the Government’s Family Hubs should embed parenting support programmes throughout all local services.

'The Government should use the budget as another opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to the early years, and make sure that Family Hub services can effectively support families across the UK.'

In January, the Confederation of British Industry’s (CBI) Tony Danker raised a left-field suggestion as to how to boost the economy – better childcare. For those of us working in the education sector, it was no surprise to hear that better parental support could have a positive impact on so many policy areas – even increasing our productivity as a nation.

Parenting support, whether in the form of quality childcare, breakfast and afterschool clubs, or parenting programmes, aren’t just ‘nice to have’ for families. They are critical to child development, and the functioning of society as a whole.

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