New parenting workshops to support young children's development
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
A new training programme to help parents better understand the needs of three- to seven-year-olds launches next month.
Character and attitude development coaches Professor Pat Preedy and Rosie Hamilton-McGinty have developed a series of workshops that focus on the needs of children for schools and parents.
'How to bring out the best in your child' will offer sessions discussing issues such as character building, behaviour and manners, discipline and building strong relationships.
The course is endorsed by Cache, the Council for Awards in Health and Education, and has been piloted at Pattison College, Coventry and The Revel Church of England Primary School, Warwickshire. Positive feedback from parents has inspired the duo to expand the programme nationwide.
The founder of A Winning Attitude training organisation, Ms Hamilton-McGinty (right), said that she hoped that it would encourage other schools and parents to come together to bring out the best in their children.
Professor Preedy emphasised the flexbility of the course, and said, ‘Depending on the needs of the school, our course can be covered in one day or spread over a number of weeks.’
Both feel their initiative will address parents in a fun and engaging way. ‘By working directly with parents, we complement the work of educators in order to ensure that we maximise positive outcomes for children.
‘The workshops will support parents to enable them to enjoy their children, and the children will be able to develop and be ready for school,’ she added.
Professor Preedy (right) said that she has been influenced by New Zealand educational researcher John Hattie, who stressed to her the importance of parental engagement. Understanding the need for more guidance for young children, she feels the workshops will give parents the tools to make a big impact on their children’s lives.
Alongside this launch, Ms Hamilton-McGinty and Professor Preedy plan to provide an online course for schools and parents. There is also an e-book, titled How to Bring Out the Best in Your Child.
A Winning Attitude hopes to expand its training programmes nationally and internationally, and is working with Middlesex University both in the UK and Dubai on a ‘Parents as Play Partners’ project.
Professor Preedy is currently writing a book with Sir Christopher Ball, academic and author of Start Right: Importance of Early Learning.
- For further information on the workshops and more about A Winning Attitude, visit http://awinningattitude.com or email info@awinningattitude.com or professorpreedy@gmail.com.
