Evaluating parent and practitioner views of participation in the Learning Together Programme (PEEP), and developing an enhanced delivery model.

This research project is from a partnership between the Centre for Child Wellbeing and Protection (CCWP) and the Education Practice/Theory r(EPT) research group, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Stirling and Stirling Council Children’s Services Educational Psychology (EP) service. This partnership is ideally placed to deliver a project for the Scottish Government Equalities and Equity Project Fund on the theme of Parental Engagement. The team has a strong track record in research with disadvantaged and vulnerable children and their families, and of service evaluation that builds an integrated and systemic rights-based understanding of children and young people’s lives. The CCWP and the EP/T group are is part of the Faculty of Social Sciences, and can draw on teams of experts in child wellbeing, early language and learning and early education, social policy and children’s rights. Stirling Council educational psychologists have similar expertise, and excellent links with practitioners across the child workforce, and with parents. The team has a focus on creative and participatory approaches, which fits well with the Scottish Government’s intention to improve the way that parents and families are involved in the life and work of early years settings, and are engaged in their children’s learning.

Our research evaluates and develops is to evaluate and develop an ongoing programme supporting parents and children to learn together, the Peep Learning together programme PEEP, which is used in Stirling Council early years settings, across other Scottish local authorities (LAs), and beyond. It meets the aims of the SG/COSLA ‘Learning Together’ National Action Plan.

Phase One of the project is investigating delivery barriers and facilitators for parents and practitioners undertaking Peep, and Phase Two will use the information to develop an enhanced delivery approach.