Students and teachers from Greenwood Academy in Castle Vale, Birmingham were invited to Middlesex University in London as the powerful impact of a pilot programme designed to strengthen family ties and help students fulfil their potential at school was showcased. The school was involved in the first ever UK secondary school pilot of early-intervention parenting programme Families and Schools Together (FAST) and were in London to celebrate the results.
The encouraging findings come just weeks after the Prime Minster announced significant investment in parenting support with the government recognising that such provision can greatly improve a child’s outcomes.
FAST is an award-winning, evidence-based programme which engages whole families and brings parents, children, teachers and the wider community together to make sure children get the support they need to fulfil their potential at school.
The initiative has already proved hugely successful in primary schools across the UK. 9,500 parents have been analysed before and after taking part in the FAST programme since 2010 and the results demonstrate a statistically significant improvement in authoritative parenting after the programme.
Following participation in the Secondary Programme pilot schemes students and teachers from Greenwood Academy in Birmingham, St Colm’s High School in Belfast and St Comhghall’s College in Lisnaskea, Northern Ireland were invited to Middlesex University to speak about their experience.
Parents involved in these pilot schemes say they are now enjoying more open communication with their children who are more confident whilst they themselves have more friends. Teachers involved have noted improvements in pupils’ attitude, behaviour and relationships with other classmates and have also reported more confidence in the classroom.
Bernadette Thomas, Middlesex University’s Head of FAST UK said: “The outcomes from the pilot schemes at all three schools were very promising with some dramatic improvements and I’ve heard many heartening success stories.”
“FAST is having a positive impact and we’re pleased to hear that the government has recently recognised the huge importance of parenting support.
“The programme focusses on empowering parents to build social networks and create a more cohesive and supportive community. As well as showing a significant impact on education performance, FAST has resulted in stronger parent child bonds, reduced family conflict, increased social support for parents and a higher parent involvement in school and community.”
“FAST is open to everyone, the whole family attend for eight weeks and take part in fun activities, collaborating in a similar atmosphere to that of an after school club. These activities are led by parents and focus on strengthening relationships.
“This is an innovative way of encouraging young people to work as part of a team and helps first year students make the transition from primary to secondary school.”
Greenwood Academy in Birmingham was one of the schools that took part in the FAST Secondary Programme pilot scheme.
The School’s Principal, Harry French said: “The FAST programme is amazing; it’s a programme that allows the school to partner with the parents and really empowers students into thinking about how they interact with groups, their parents and the school.
“Fundamentally you are changing the basis on which relationships are formed in schools; it’s a very worthwhile programme.”
