News

Involving fathers in their child’s education improves exam results and classroom attendance and reduces criminality, according to a government-backed study published today at a conference organised by Fathers Direct, writes Simeon Brody.

The report by the National Family and Parenting Institute finds that cookery, reading and football sessions for fathers in schools all help to overcome their traditional reluctance to get involved in what they see as a female-dominated arena.

Children enjoy it when their fathers are involved at school and dads in turn gain a better understanding of learning activities, the report finds.

It also finds evidence that a father’s interest in his child’s education had a stronger association with the child gaining better qualifications in adult life than poverty or family type.

The study, which has been backed by education secretary Ruth Kelly, was launched at a conference organised by fatherhood charity Fathers Direct.

Fathers’ Involvement in their Children’s Education: a review of research and practice available from www.nfpi.org/data/publications