What do parent champions do? Parent champions are parents who have a positive experience of using childcare and supporting their child's early learning, who act as peer advisers to other parents in their community. They are supported by their local authority, children's centre or a local community organisation, to volunteer around five hours a week, giving information to other parents about childc
are and services for families. They go to playgroups, baby clinics, community organisations, parks, supermarkets and libraries and many other places, to talk to parents about the services that are on offer locally. Schemes may choose to focus on providing information to different play groups, for instance families eligible for the two-year-old childcare places, parents of disabled children, fathers, young parents and certain language groups. What difference do Parent Champions make? The parent champion model was pioneered by the Family and Childcare Trust, and developed through partnership with a number of local authorities. It is a proven and cost-effective tool for reaching families who have not traditionally accessed childcare and other services for children. In 2012 a Social Return on Investment (SROI) analysis of the Liverpool project showed a return of almost £13 on every pound invested. Schemes also greatly enhance the confidence and wellbeing of the volunteers themselves. Parent Champions: 2013-2015
The Department of Education has continued its funding to Family and Childcare Trust to support the Parent Champion National Network, and also develop a new partnership with Action for Children rolling out the model in children's centres due to it's success the Department is also keen for the model to be adapted for different settings such as schools and workplaces. For more information/advice drop us a message. We thank you for taking the time to read this, from your local Parent Champions: Jade, Zoe, Sam and Stacey.
