Parenting in Wales: Guidance on engagement and support

Parents play a central role in relation to outcomes for children. We know that positive outcomes for children are more likely when parents provide positive guidance and care for their children based on the principles set out in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child UNCRC. This guidance is based on the core principles of the UNCRC which centres on respect for children’s best interests and rights, and support for parents in carrying out their role.

The type of parenting support that meets parent’s needs will vary. A limited number of parenting classes, delivered over a short space of time is not
necessarily sufficient to meet the parenting needs of all parents. In many cases a lot of effort will be needed to encourage and support the successful and sustained engagement of parents. The focus of this guidance is therefore, not only on ‘what’ parenting support to provide, but also on ‘how’ practitioners engage with families.

The diversity of family life means that a ‘one size fits all’ approach is unlikely to be successful. Parents need access to information, advice and support that is matched to their need. Parenting support needs to be available to all those who may play a key role in bringing up children. Throughout this guidance the term ‘parent’ has been used as a short hand to include mothers, fathers, foster carers, adopted parents, step-parents and grandparents.

It is important that parents have confidence in the quality of the parenting interventions being delivered and the skills and integrity of those providing
support. This guidance outlines the underpinning principles that should guide parenting support. This is about building and sustaining positive, respectful relationships with parents to enhance their parenting skills in supporting their child’s development, care and wellbeing. This includes working in partnership with parents to help them develop self-confidence in their parenting role. It also includes working with parents in ways that help them relate positively to their child. The guidance has been developed in line with the National Occupational Standards for Work with Parents NOS (see section 9). It can be used alongside the NOS for Work with Parents and does not seek to replace it. For each section of the guidance we have highlighted the relevant NOS for Work with Parents standards, which highlight the competencies required by the Work with Parents workforce to carry out these functions.

This guidance has been developed based on findings from the ‘Review of parenting support for Flying Start’, which was commissioned by the Welsh
Government and undertaken by Interface Associates and York Consulting. It has also been informed by evidence gleaned from research reports and
journal articles. Some of this research relates to UK Government programmes and other practice in the UK and internationally, where we see they have a relevance to the delivery of parenting support in Wales.

The guidance also provides a list of parenting programmes which are intended to support parents to develop positive parenting skills and strategies.