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New Projects we are working on:

 

New Start

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Start Parenting Programme

 

What is it?

The New Start Parenting Programme was devised by Mothers’ Union Parenting Facilitators in the Salisbury Diocese.  Mothers’ Union and the Diocesan Board of Education are partnering in delivering a pilot of this project across selected schools in the Diocese.   New Start is aimed at parents of children who are starting in the reception class in school and seeks to aid the transition process for families with children going into Reception.

 

The course is four simple sessions: two in July, one during the summer holidays, and one as the children start school in September.  The course is delivered in partnership with the school and takes part in school usually whilst the ingoing children are having their induction in their new class.  It meets a need and starts parents off with a positive attitude towards the school, all of which impacts on their children and on relationships with staff. 

How does it work?

We offer the following current framework which can be adapted to fit with your own school schedule.

  • We attend and are introduced by the Headteacher at the school induction evening for new parents usually in late May.  It is at this meeting that we give a brief introduction about the course and give out a leaflet.  During coffee we circulate, talk to parents and write down names of those interested including and whether or not they will be bringing pre-schoolers.

  • We run two sessions in the summer during the times when the incoming children are in school for their induction.  These sessions are usually held in school if there is space.  Depending on how the school manages the induction process it may be that we run the both sessions twice. 

  • We hold an informal playground picnic just before the new term begins in a public space, for example, the local park. 

  • We hold a First Day Coffee Morning at the Vicarage; this is very popular and many parents stay the whole morning, before collecting their children at 12.00.  This could be anytime in September and doesn’t have to be in the Vicarage.

  • Parents currently are each given a book about starting school (Get Ready to Go, produced by the Scripture Union). The cost of the books is funded by a local charity.

 

Outline of Sessions:

  • Session 1 focuses on worries/concerns about starting school

  • Session 2 celebrates the fact that the children are 'ready' for school and we talk about parents' hopes for the coming year

  • Session 3 (September) is about communication and coping with tired children after the novelty of school has worn off. 

 

The sessions can be adapted to fit the needs of the families attending and can include input from the class teacher, pupils in year 6 or others whose contribution might be useful. 

 

If you are interested in exploring or participating in this project click here:

 

Starting school is a big milestone which involves changes and some anxieties for parents and children alike. New Start     is a project for parents and carers of children starting school which runs over four sessions during the summer     months.  New Start eases the way into school, enabling both parents and children to feel more confident. It is a useful     addition to the school’s own induction process and develops the links between the church, the school and the     community demonstrating and enabling us to live out the gospel message of Christian care and love for the children,     parents and school.

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