This initiative has improved outcomes for the children of Stoke-on-Trentby giving parents confidence in themselves. Multi-agency partnershipproject Stoke Speaks Out has empowered the parents it reaches by seekingto increase the bond between parent and child. This is the startingpoint for tackling the causes and effects of children's speech andlanguage delay.
The children's workforce has been up-skilled through cross-agencytraining in how to promote children's communication development. StokeSpeaks Out is made up of Stoke's children's services and primary caretrust, North Staffordshire healthcare trusts, local midwifery, and thePre-School Learning Alliance.
These partners have reached more than 7,000 children from pre-birth toseven-years-old with supported toddler groups, Stoke Speaks Outmaternity packs and parent awareness and education sessions.
The parent-run toddler groups are a big part of this initiative'ssuccess and very popular. Stoke Speaks Out playworkers spend a few weekstraining parents in managing the groups and then step back. Parents areencouraged to play actively with their children, with singing oftendominating sessions. The statistics speak for themselves. Stoke rates inthe top 5 per cent of deprived areas nationally - in 2002 nearly 70 percent of children had language delay. Now that figure has dropped to 54.5per cent.
Every new parent in the city is provided with a maternity pack, and babymassage has taken off across the city as a way of building closerelationships. Parent awareness and education sessions are, like thetoddler groups, targeted at those most in need, and are connected toprimary schools to give parents a positive experience of an educationsystem they may distrust. Areas where English is not the first languageare a key target.
The partners in this initiative believe in it so much they actively seekto mainstream it across the country, and the city has its own StokeSpeaks Out Day every March. The project is currently developing a seriesof resource packs for hard-to-reach, vulnerable families.
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Tower Hamlets Opportunity Group
This small playgroup has truly made a difference to the families whopass through its doors. Running since 1989, Tower Hamlets OpportunityGroup began with a vision of mixed groups of children playing together,those with additional needs and those without. The dream has beenfulfilled and then some, as THOG has instilled confidence in verytroubled parents through delicate outreach, even going so far as to helpone parent move from unhygienic council housing. Everyday supportincludes lending toys, organising first introductions with school, andsimply recognising the difficulties in families' lives. THOG's hugestrength in improving children's outcomes is due to this holisticapproach with parents.
CRITERIA
Open to services or projects that support parents, enhance theirunderstanding of their children's learning and development, or improvechildren's outcomes through involvement and co-operation withfamilies.
- Sponsored by Family & Parenting.
