Evaluating the impact of Pyramid for Parents courses in North Town in 2009/10: listening to the views of mothers and fathers of primary school children

Abstract

Nine Children’s Services Department Pyramid for Parents courses were attended by a total of 68 parents whose children attend primary schools in North Town. The evaluation gave particular emphasis to the views of 45 mothers and 13 fathers who contributed to semi-structured discussions about what they hoped to gain from participation and whether and how the course had contributed to improvements in interactions with their children. Qualitative data are augmented by ‘before’ and ‘after’ data from Rosenburg Self-Esteem measures and a variety of internal documents. Parents agreed to attend courses, usually at the suggestion of and with encouragement from professionals. Several had current involvement from children’s social care and some were involved in care proceedings. The programme was funded through the Beacon Healthy Schools Peer Parenting Support Project and was one of seven projects being evaluated. The qualitative data suggest very high levels of satisfaction with the course, facilitators and immediate outcomes. Rosenburg Self-Esteem data indicate an increase in self-esteem amongst a majority of participants. Overall, the findings suggest that Pyramid for Parents provided a beneficial resource for these parents. They welcomed its flexibility and highlighted the importance of appropriate styles of facilitation and of support from other participants.

Keywords:

• parenting courses
• emotional well-being
• self-esteem