National parenting programme rolled out across the Island

A course which being delivered in six schools from September is described as an exciting initiative for the Isle of Man.

A parenting scheme that launched in the West Midlands is being rolled out across Manx Primary Schools.

A course which being delivered in six schools from September is described as an exciting initiative for the Isle of Man.

The scheme, designed to help parents understand how their child is developing, is being extended to Manx schools for the first time.

It's based on the Solihull Approach – devised by health visitors who worked with children with feeding, sleeping and behaviour difficulties.

12 staff on the Island have been trained to deliver it.

School Improvement Adviser for Special Educational Needs, Dave Colley, says it's exciting that it is being introduced on the Isle of Man. He said it's not just aimed at children with behavioural difficulties, but all aspects of parenting and learning about the development of your own child.

Courses will be run at Auldyn Infants' School, Victoria Road Primary School, Willaston Primary School, Murray's Road Junior School, Ramsey Grammar School and Ballakermeen High School from September 2011.

There will be a maximum of eight places on courses and these will be open to parents with children at the schools. The schools involved will provide further information to parents as the summer term progresses.