A Retrospective Critical Analysis of Family Support in Practice: Facilitate not Dictate

Abstract

The parental role in childcare is explored by drawing on a whole child perspective and eco-systemic theory. Partnership between parents and staff in the formal childcare context is then discussed. A workshop undertaken with staff in a community childcare centre to explore the concept and reality of the parent as primary carer is then outlined, including the mechanisms participants identified for translating the theory of partnership with parents into practice. Finally, the strengths and limitations of the approach employed are noted, followed by an analysis of the future potential of this method.