Towards a national parenting strategy
With the Scottish Government considering a national parenting strategy, contributors discuss what needs to happen to make Scotland the best place in the world to bring up children.
Children usually come with families, which is why 'getting it right for every child' generally means getting it right for every family. The critical place of supporting parents in children's early years; the state's role as corporate parent; and the importance of communication are all considered in the light of the proposed parenting strategy and better support for families.
We will develop family centres, a national parenting strategy... always with a focus on those with the greatest need.
Alex Salmond, First Minister
Childcare: supporting parents and children
Sarah Burton puts the case for a universal system of high quality, affordable, accessible childcare, to enable parents and practitioners to fulfil their potential, and make more likely for children to get the best start in life.
Getting it right for every parent
SallyAnn Kelly considers what the national parenting strategy should contain and do.
21st century health visitors for 21st century parents
Wendy Mitchell and Phil Wilson argue that the scope of health visitors is vast and varied and that it is vital to value and invest in their work to ensure the workforce remains motivated, competent and credible.
Supporting corporate parents
Jim Wallace asks what the corporate parent can do better and how a national parenting strategy can successfully intervene, where other strategies and frameworks have not over the first 13 years of devolution.
Better communication: better parenting
Kim Hartley outlines the importance of speech and language communication to good parenting and child development.
Growing up in Scotland: what research tells us about parenting young children
Paul Bradshaw and Lesley Kelly describe the Growing Up in Scotland study which is providing new, unique information about the lives of children and their families and the influences on and of different parenting approaches, attitudes and behaviours.
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