A Dundee parenting project has been short-listed for the prestigious European Alcuin Award - one of only five nominations across the continent - and the winner will be announced in a ceremony in Vienna on Saturday (22 November).
PALS - Parents Altogether Lending Support - is a six-week course consisting of one 90-minute session each week on a particular topic. Parents meet in groups of between four and seven to share their own experiences as parents and to learn from those of others. A variety of teaching methods are used to stimulate and guide discussion including written worksheets, videos, and observational "homework".
The aim is to increase the life chances of young children by supporting parents in their parenting roles. Parents of pre-school and primary-aged children use the groups to support and encourage one another rather than being dependent upon professionals.
The programme, developed by Early Years Coordinator Irene Werritty, and a group of mothers from Kirkton (a Social Inclusion Partnership neighbourhood), was assessed from inception by University of Dundee's Dr Suzanne Zeedyk. The findings have been crucial in shaping the programme and will help ensure continued success in the future.
Dr Zeedyk from the Department of Psychology interviewed parents several years after they completed the course. Her findings showed that:
Dr Zeedyk said, "Our findings show the extent to which PALS has helped to literally transform the lives of parents and children. For example, one parent felt that without PALS she might have given up trying to change and let her child be taken into care. Many simply say how nice it is to have friends and to feel part of their community.
It is gratifying that this venture has been nominated by the Scottish Executive. I was delighted as an academic researcher to be able to work with the local education authority in a way that directly serves parents in my community.
The nomination of this project - one of only five across Europe - is testimony to the high regard now given to the PALS project, and to the innovativeness of Dundee City Council, as well as to Irene Werrity's efforts. The findings strongly suggest that this is a very worthwhile long-term investment."
Irene Werritty said, "Dr Zeedyk’s evaluation confirmed the extent to which PALS greatly improves many parents' self- confidence in their parenting abilities. It has also helped us to understand how we can help those parents who don’t find group participation so easy.
The City Council and University here in Dundee are developing innovative work that is applicable in diverse European settings. Evidence highlights the value to children, families and school of good home/school partnerships. A PALS-type parenting programme is one means of building such partnerships."
Parents who complete PALS have gone on to engage more confidently with their children's teachers and to take part in a range of initiatives to support both their and their children's learning. They have also helped school staff develop a greater understanding of family perspectives and parent strengths by contributing to Education Department in-service training days, the Scottish Executive Early Years Best Practice Initiative events and seminars for teaching students at the University of Dundee.
In the words of one parent: "Loads of changes have happened since I did the PALS course. I'm doing a Higher course, which I wouldn't have wanted to do before I did PALS. I think it was a turning point for me in terms of public speaking. Before, I wouldn't have wanted to speak in a crowd whereas now it doesn't bother me at all."
For more information contact Dr Suzanne Zeedyk on 01382 344611
The following parents who have participated in PALS are available for interview:
Aileen Small, 01382 802124
Janet McLean, 01382 816257
Kimberly Deans, 01382 505180
Editors' notes
PALS initially secured external funding for two years, but is now funded by Dundee City Council's Education Department and has begun to expand across the city. The course is offered in family centres, nurseries and community venues across the city. Approximately 200 parents and carers have taken part since it started in 1998.
The Alcuin Award initiative was launched in 1991 by the European Parents Association (EPA) and highlights the role of parents as partners in the education of their children. Each year, EPA identifies five projects for consideration by the Alcuin Award Jury which consists of prominent Europeans. The EPA has representatives in all EU countries plus Norway, Iceland, Poland, Slovakia, Cyprus and Liechtenstein.
By Esther Black, Press Officer 01382 344768 e.z.black@dundee.ac.uk