As an Extended Schools Co-ordinator  I am very pleased with the progress that the Fusion Programme is making in developing the skills and strategies course for families. As part of the national agenda for Extended Services, there is a requirement that schools should provide access to parenting programmes for their parents.  Schools within our area are providing a lot of support and advice as well as referring parents onto other agencies however the availability of trained personnel within the school environment to provide structured parenting programmes is limited. Other agencies within the Weymouthand Portland area have very limited places on parenting programmes that they run. The main providers in the area for a structured group programmes are the Children’s Centres.

The initial parenting course started in a small way through members of schools staff participating in the programme for their own personal interest in their own time. The programme has been so popular that a course has run every term since its inauguration and it is usually fully book at least a term in advance. Most participants come to the course having heard about the tremendous benefits from previous participants. A body of course participants, who are prepared to take an active role in providing support and guidance to parents, is ever increasing. This group has also built up its own network to share concerns and successes, which helps one another. This body of people will be the future leaders of the Fusion courses.

The aspiration for the future is that all schools within our area will have trained course leaders. These individuals will have completed the programme themselves and will have additional training in order to run the fusion programme.  These course leaders through the schools management structures will provide access to course for all parents that wish too participate. Timings and locations of courses will be arranged to suit all parents. It is also hoped that parents who have attended the programme may feel inspired to become course leaders and carry out the necessary training to do so. Other professional bodies, who have a vested interested in assisting families, may wish to become involved and run courses in partnership with the schools.  Partnering will bring an added richness to the programme providing additional benefits to the participants.

The sky is the limit for the future of the Fusion Team, where the Strategies for Families Programme is concerned.

Jocelyne Poole
Extended Schools Co-ordinator

"The 6 week course concentrates on trying out small, everyday changes that can make a big difference. The straight forward Leader's Guide can be used by appropriately trained parents, with groups of parents who want to find out how Fusion can provide a place to reflect on family life and learn from each other."

Anne Page
Policy Manager, Family and Parenting Institute