Information seminars on the National Occupation Standards for work with parents

As you may be aware, the new National Occupational Standards for work with Parents, have been developed following widespread national consultation across the UK, and a period of piloting towards the end of 2004 and early 2005.

In partnership with Parenting UK and Lifelong Learning UK, the Parenting Forum NI will be supporting regional groups to implement new Standards, as well as encouraging the uptake of accredited training by individual practitioners.

About the training

The training, which is accredited by City and Guilds at level 2 and level 3, is targeted at all paid or unpaid staff who are engaged in work with parents in any capacity. Unlike NVQs, the training is based on a credit system for each individual unit, enabling learners to either complete single units, to meet their own specific continuous professional development needs, or to complete full qualifications at either level 2 or level 3 depending on their role within the organisation.

Therefore personal development programmes can be drawn up which can address all learner needs, from experienced staff with existing professional qualifications to new staff, who may need to complete a full qualification to achieve competence in their work with parents.

How much will I have to pay?

This training, which is being funded by the Department for Employment and Learning, is free to all learners for the academic year, beginning September 2007. However, this training will only be provided free during the test and trial period from September 2007 – June 2008.

To learn more about this exciting new development within the sector and the benefits to both your organisation and individual staff, you are invited to attend one of three Information Seminars, which the Parenting Forum NI will be running in June across Northern Ireland.

What will the seminar cover?

The aims of the seminar are:

• to promote greater awareness of the new National Occupational Standards for Working with Parents,
• to explore how organisations can access support for implementing standards, and
• to provide guidance on how individuals can access free accredited training, leading to the achievement of new qualifications.

Where are the seminars being held?

Dates and venues for seminars are as follows:

• Belfast - NI Commissioner for Children and Young People, 4 June 2007
• Omagh - The Station Centre, 7 June 2007
• Newry - Ballybot House, 15 June 2007

More information

If you would like to discuss any aspect of the New National Occupational Standards/Qualifications, and in particular how best your organisation might utilise them simply contact:

Emma Campbell
Development Worker for National Occupational Standards

t: 028 90310891
e: emma@pachelp.org