How will we know we have got there?
To determine the success of the actions arising from the Coventry Parenting strategy (2024-27), there are several expected outcomes:
- Short-term outcomes, such as parents and professionals knowing where and how to get the parenting support they need. Increased choice, volume, and range of parenting support offered. More parents will access and complete parenting support that meets their individual needs.
- Medium-term outcomes, including positive feedback relating to services and improved parental confidence, as well as improved take-up and completion of parenting programmes. Parents reporting improved confidence in parenting. Ensuring the workforce is skilled, knowledgeable, and competent to deliver parenting support to help those with a wide range of needs.
- Long-term outcomes such as increased rates of school readiness and a reduction in children entering the care system reduced youth offending. Improved child obesity rates and a reduced need for referrals to mental health services for children and young people. Additionally, an increase in collaborative working across the health and social care system.
The Coventry Parenting Strategy (2024-27) will have an underpinning action plan. This plan will show in greater detail the actions that will be undertaken to bring the strategy to life. The plan will build on some of the work that has started around parenting as part of the Family Hubs and Start for Life programme. Table 6 provides further detail on some of the measures that have already been developed and will be monitored in the action planning in the short/medium term and have been agreed with partners so far.
Key outcomes from the Family Hubs and Start for Life Programme Parenting Support Plan include:
- Increased opportunity for parents to access a range of parenting support
Increase the choice, volume and range of parenting support choice, volume, and availability to meet needs this will be measured by the following - increase in type and methods of parenting interventions. - Improved family relationships and Improved parenting skills and capacity
More parents will access and complete parenting support that meets individual needs - Access and completion and this will be measured by an increase in the number of parents accessing parenting and completing parenting intervention. - Improved outcomes for children's lived experiences
80% of parents who complete a Parenting course report an increase in their parenting confidence OR improvement in family relationships. Increase in reported parental confidence.