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Learning FAST in Catcliffe

News - Local News

Wednesday, 03 February 2010 15:51

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Parents and children in Catcliffe are learning how to deal with the challenges that family life can bring through a new family programme being successfully piloted in the area.

The Families and Schools Together (FAST) scheme offers a range of activities for parents and children to get involved in while offering extra support and guidance for the parents taking part.

Created in 1988 by the American Professor Lyn McDonald, it was introduced in the UK in 2007 and now over 15 local authorities have adopted the scheme.

Its aim is to improve the ways families interact which in turn will boost the children’s performance at school and help reduce the stress that families feel in their daily lives. Parents and children take part in activities such as crafts, communication games or even enjoying a meal together.

Catcliffe was one of the first programmes in the region to involve primary school children, and the first group of ‘graduates’ received their certificates at the end of the year.

Jane Baxter, headteacher at Catcliffe Primary School, presented all the FAST families with a graduation certificate and gift, and the children made graduation hats for all the family to wear during the celebration.

Ms Baxter also announced that the school will be hosting a regular monthly meeting in 2010 for all the parents who attend the FAST pilot programme.

The eight-week programme has proved so successful that it may also be extended into Rawmarsh so more families can benefit. The FAST programme has been funded through the Parents Early Intervention Programme which is funded by central government.

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