Issue 30 - Belfast Education & Library Board

st clare’s primary school provide support to parents
Families from the local community were invited to attend the Families and Schools Together Programme
(FAST) at St Clare’s Primary School on Wednesday 6th June. This is an experiential eight-week curriculum
to build relationships between parents and children, parents and schools, and parents and other parents
within the local community in order to improve outcomes for children aged 3 to 8 who are living in poverty in
the UK. The programme is run and supported by the Save the Children an organisation focussed on tackling child
poverty.
Save the children believe no child should be born without a chance to fulfil their potential. They deliver
programmes which provide direct support to children and families in poverty, and campaign for government
action to improve the life chances of the poorest children. All parents want the best for their child, no matter
what their background or income may be. However, research shows that parents are unable to access the kind
of community-based preventative support known to make a difference and to which they should be entitled,
therefore the organization that aims to:
• Improves parents’ confidence to support their children
• Builds strong support networks for families in their community
• Improves children’s success at school
Thirty four families were involved in the scheme at St Clare’s where they worked closely with teaching staff in 3
main groups or hubs over the 8 weeks. Part of the curriculum involved a sit down meal with the family and each
week 2 members of the hub took responsibility to provide a home cooked meal. Catering Supervisor, Dolores
Murray was on hand to provide help and support on recipes, reheating meals and providing cookware.
“Having taught this child since Year 2, I have seen huge changes in her
social & emotional development”
Teacher, Black Mountain P.S
“I’ve noticed a big difference in her. I could hardly get her to sit still half the time.
Now, she listens more when I talk and I listen more to her too.”
Parent St. Bernadette’s P.S
“It's brilliant to see something like this happen in the school.
It's so important for the kids to see that we're taking an interest in their lives”
Parent Sacred Heart P.S