This report outlines findings from Year 1 of a 2-year whole-school approach project, looking at staff and parent data returned (between September 2018 and July 2019) from three primary schools we have been working intensively with.
Key findings - Staff:
After a year of working in partnership with Family Links, 55% of staff showed an improvement in their mental wellbeing and 69% of staff showed an improvement in their social-emotional competence.
Focus groups highlighted that the workshops successfully facilitated a space for staff to strengthen and acquire new skills, learning practical strategies that were seen to have a tangible impact on interactions with pupils.
Positive changes were seen in relation to staff awareness around the importance of their own wellbeing and how this translates to their practice.
Staff observed positive changes to pupils’ emotional health, with children more able to reflect on and describe their emotions in challenging situations
Key findings - Parents:
After attending a Family Links parent group, 81% of parents reported an improvement in their mental wellbeing* and 75% showed an improvement in parenting confidence*.
69% of parents reported an improvement in their engagement with the school*.
75% of parents reported a decrease in the amount of anger and shouting at home and 63% of parents said the quality of their family relationships had improved.
100% of parents said they would recommend Family Links parent groups to other parents.
The focus group highlighted the importance of the parent groups in providing a safe space for parents to share and connect with others.
All parents said the group exceeded their expectations.
The group facilitation skills of the class teachers were praised and seen to improve both the parents’ and teachers’ understanding of the children.