The Dad Factor – Involving Fathers in schools and children’s learning: One-day course

Why is engaging fathers so important?

Schools are increasingly aware of the importance of engaging fathers and father figures in their children’s learning, in the daily life of schools and in governance.

Fathers who are involved in their children’s early education have a significant impact on attainment and on future aspiration. High father-involvement with 7-11 year olds is linked with better national examination performance at age 16. (Lewis et al1982).

Conversely, low interest by fathers in their children’s education (particularly boys) has a stronger negative impact on their achievement than contact with the police, poverty, family type, social class, housing tenure and child’s personality. (Blanden, 2006).

Where schools are pro-active in their approach to engaging fathers they see a significant increase in the numbers of fathers involved in the life of the school – both in supporting children’s learning and in governance.

Schools which engage fathers in specific support to children with low levels of attainment have seen substantive improvements in children’s learning.

What do parents and children think?

Research tells us that fathers – and mothers – want engagement with their children’s learning and education and children want this too.

“70% of co-resident fathers and 81% of non-resident dads want to be more involved in their children’s education” (Peters et al, 2008)

“Dear Dad, I only see you once a week … Some small things I ask of you: please come to my school plays and come to parents’ evening to see how I’m getting on”. (12 year-old: DfES/Fathers Direct, 2003)

More about the course

The course will help participants to:

• Consider the importance of engaging fathers in their children’s learning and in the life of schools

• Explore the social, emotional and educational benefits of involving fathers in children’s learning

• Mobilise fathers as a resource for their daughters and sons

• Evaluate your current engagement with fathers.

• Devise strategies to create father inclusive learning environments

The course includes exploration of:

• What children need from their fathers

• How fathers have different strengths and roles

• The personal and cultural issues which shape our perceptions of men/fathers

• Case material from successful projects in schools

• Effective engagement strategies for different communities of fathers

Who should attend this course?

Staff and volunteers in teams or settings that work, or plan to work directly with fathers in schools and family learning settings. Teachers, Learning Assistants, Mentors, Family Learning Teams, Community Education staff, School Nurses, Counsellors.

How much does it cost?

All our course participants receive a copy of our Toolkit for Father-Inclusive Practice as well as a range of handouts.

A one day course for up to 15 staff costs £1,550 plus vat. A course for up to 25 staff costs £2,100 plus vat. The day runs from 9.30 – 3.45pm.

To find out more contact our National Practice Development Manager Jeszemma Garratt on tel 0791 7864130 or email j.garratt@fatherhoodinstitute.org.