£9m for projects to help disadvantaged parents announced by government

A £9m funding package to help hard to reach parents get involved in their children’s learning was announced by the government today.

The money, which will be given out to 41 local authorities in deprived areas, will help be used to develop innovative ideas on engaging with disadvantaged parents and helping them them to support their children aged under five.

Projects councils are planning to use the money for include schemes to engage fathers and granddads by recording them reading stories, gardening activities and setting up personal education plans for fostered children.

Children’s minister Beverley Hughes said: “These are targeted funds and we hope to see innovative work in reaching vulnerable parents in areas where they need support and encouragement to really get involved in their children’s development.”

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