Free parenting classes for families

Families with young children will be offered free parenting classes under Government plans to encourage more external help with childcare.

The pilot scheme will initially operate in Camden in London, High Peak in Derbyshire and Middlesbrough from April, with free classes in person and online available to all families with children under five.

Charities including The National Childbirth Trust, Save the Children, and the Fatherhood Institute will deliver sessions in all three locations.

The two-year trial will encourage families to feel it is "normal" to need assistance in the first few years of a child's life and will open a new market for those looking for advice about child-rearing in the same way as most expectant parents attend antenatal classes.

The scheme will be paid for by vouchers distributed to parents, which can be redeemed at any of the providers in the area.

Charities and other organisations offering the service will receive payment from the Government only if vouchers are redeemed at their institution.

Children's Minister Sarah Teather said: "Being a parent is one of the most important jobs you can do. Parents are the most important influence on a child's healthy development and future lives. We know from the demand for self-help books and from speaking to mums and dads that they would welcome light-touch key advice and support from time to time.

"Most parents go to antenatal classes before their child is born. We want parents to be able to seek help and advice in the earliest years of their child's life and for this to be a normal part of family life.

"Unfortunately in some people's minds there is a stigma attached to asking for help or attending parenting classes. So we have chosen a wide range of expert organisations, with a good track record of reaching out to parents of all backgrounds. They will attract and engage parents through a mixture of face-to-face and online classes, and in a variety of community settings including schools and children's centres.

"The settings for classes need to be attractive and convenient to parents and offered in a variety of locations."