Parenting Classes Trial Stakeholder Procurement Event 7 November

Agenda 2.15Welcome & overview of event - Shirley Trundle 2.20Parenting classes trial: project overview – Julia Gault 2.35Government’s perspective on parenting – Sarah Teather MP 2.45Creative Solutions: Parenting Services - Jon Akwue Transform 3.00Refreshment break 3.30How the procurement process works – Julia Gault 3.50Question and Answer Panel 4.30Close

Project Overview Julia Gault, DfE

Project Overview Why are we doing this? What will the offer look like? What do we hope to achieve? Why are we running the trial?

Why are we doing this? Mothers and fathers tell us they want more advice and support with parenting Over 1 million queries to the family support online and telephone helpline services in last three months Participating in parenting classes can improve outcomes for children

Where are we now?  Growing evidence base on what works to influence parenting skills  Most proven programmes designed for families experiencing problems  Stigma - parenting classes are for parents with problems  Build on current knowledge to develop new products suitable to offer to any parent

The proposal Offer parents vouchers for free course of parenting classes Universal approach - every mother and father with children years Parents can choose from a range of parenting classes

What do we hope to achieve? Improve supply of quality help with parenting Normalise take up – like ante-natal classes Improve parenting

Why run a trial first ?  Develop the market  Understand effect on demand from different parents  Learn more about how to reduce stigma and the scope for a commercial market

How the procurement process works Julia Gault, DfE

Procurement overview What are we looking for? Timetable Next steps

Opportunities to participate First procurement for parenting classes providers Second procurement to cover: –on the ground support for the trial; and –voucher production, distribution and payment administration. Evaluation of the impact of the trial

Parenting Class Providers  Opportunity to receive income from vouchers  Need to offer a mix of online and face to face provision  Attract different parents – fathers and mothers  Income dependent on how many parents trade their vouchers for your product

Parenting Class Procurement We’re looking for:  Demonstrably high quality parenting programmes  Track record and experience  Sound financial standing  Consortium bids encouraged  No more than 10 to 15 providers across the three areas

Parenting Class Principles  Common core content  Evidence-based delivery approach  Workforce training and supervision  Evaluate own provision and contribute to trial evaluation

What is the timetable? Stage:Indicative timescale: Issue invitation to tenderMid November Deadline for tender bidsBefore Christmas Sign contractsBy March 2012 Classes delivered fromNo later than July 2012 Trial endsMarch 2014

Other Elements of Trial Practical implementation: –Successful voucher distribution to parents –Collect data on take up of classes –Bringing together networks of providers Voucher function: –coordinate the design of vouchers –distribution –reimburse voucher providers –Protection against fraud

Further information Procurement queries: General information on the trial: