Thursday 1 August 2013

Stephen Metcalfe MP presents awards to BEST parents


Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, recently joined the Basildon Education Services Trust (BEST) at Pioneer’s School to present awards to parents who have worked on developing their skills and engaged in family learning.  He also delivered a speech in which he thanked BEST for their hard work promoted the advantages learning in the family environment.

BEST is a company with charitable status, working on behalf of a partnership of 37 schools who collaborate to raise the aspirations and achievement of over 10,000 children, young people and their parents in Basildon Town, allowing them to learn, grow, develop, and fulfil their potential.

All BEST Schools work hard to offer a range of initiatives that engage parents to enable them to support their child’s learning and social and emotional wellbeing. BEST’s ‘Time Out for Parents and Carers’ programme compliments the work schools are already undertaking and brings parents and carers from across the locality together  to continue their own learning journey. 

By being based in our schools during the day, the programme offers parents and carers who normally find it difficult to access adult education an opportunity to learn together in a non threatening, non judgemental local environment.  A free crèche is also provided.

Run in association with the WEA and Essex Adult Community Learning, over 400 parents whose children attend BEST schools, have participated in over 120 free courses since September 2012 that help them develop skills in 5 key areas:

  • Supporting their child’s learning
  • Parenting Skills
  • Developing key skills in Literacy, Numeracy and IT
  • Developing healthier lifestyles
·         Supporting self development and preparation for returning to the workplace.

The local MP, who is also patron of BEST commented: “It was a privilege to attend the BEST parents awards evening and to present the mums, dads, carers and guardians with their awards. Family engagement and family learning are key to the future prosperity of our children and young people and I hope that parents across Basildon can be inspired by the achievements of those who received awards.”

In his speech, Mr Metcalfe commented on the role of parents’ attitudes, aspirations and behaviour in shaping a child’s outlook stating that good quality home learning contributes more to children’s intellectual and social development than parental occupation, education or income. He also commented that it can be a great way of improving the confidence of parents.

Mr Metcalfe added: “I share in BEST’s belief that there is unlimited potential here in Basildon. I will continue to work hard with the organisation and with local schools and parents to promote this message.”