March 2010

Fatherhood Season on the BBC

Submitted by davidv on Thu, 25/03/2010 - 19:50

Looking forward to the BBC4 Season on fatherhood.

A century of fatherhood, the biology of dads and disappearing dads are some of the programmes scheduled. Wonder what they will have to say about some of the issues we face every day - such as trying to ensure that dads as well as mums are supported in their roles as care givers by family services.

From the historical perspective this ties in nicely with the Family Man through the Ages programme developed by Fathers Plus and the NE Museums Hub.

From the BBC4 website - follow the link below to find out more.

BBC Article About Durham Dads

Submitted by davidv on Thu, 25/03/2010 - 19:27

Great to see some of the work of the Dads Transitions Programme in County Durham getting recognition by the BBC. You can follow the link to watch the video.

The project has been running for two years and has supported dads, granddads and other carers to get involved in their children's learning at school.

The children and the dads are enjoying it and teaching staff at the school are noticing a positive difference in the children.

Thanks to Chantalle Edmunds at BBC Tees for this piece.

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Feckless Fathers?

Submitted by Roger Olley on Thu, 18/03/2010 - 11:21

It has been a busy month since I ‘retired’ from my role of Head of Service for Fathers Plus and I have come across some interesting people, practices and information.

Pre School Learning Alliance in Luton

Submitted by Roger Olley on Thu, 18/03/2010 - 11:19

In February I was the morning keynote speaker at the Pre School Learning Alliance conference ‘Fathers Matter – valuing and developing a father friendly approach’. About 80 people attended and I was very impressed by the ‘can do’ attitude the delegates had. There is some very interesting work taking place in Luton, particularly on the issue of engaging fathers and male carers from diverse ethnic groups onto parenting programmes. If you would like to know more about this the person to contact is Shahan Miah.

Is there a 'London Centric' attitude in DCSF?

Submitted by Roger Olley on Thu, 18/03/2010 - 11:17

On the 27th January we held the Fathers Plus conference Involving Men in Children's Learning: Evidence from Successful Practice at the Radisson Hotel in Durham. Over 100 people attended and engaged in a day of lively debate, sharing of learning and making new connexions and contacts. It was interesting that a few months before we held this conference the DCSF sent out a request, through various websites and organisations, for information about any ‘good practice’ that was happening on the topic of including men in children’s learning.