Parents' role vital in kids' education success

Media Statement
For immediate release

Friday 14 October, 2005

Parents' role vital in kids' education success

"The new television advertisements hitting our screens this weekend remind us how important parents are in their children's education success," said Secretary for Education Howard Fancy today.

The 'Team-Up – helping our kids learn' information programme takes shape on Sunday as four new advertisements promoting learning at home begin screening.

"The series of eleven15-second ads shows mums, dads and grandparents helping their children learn in real-life situations – such as spelling words while sitting at the bus stop, and checking out shapes while making lunch.

"The ads give parents and families tips on helping their children learn, reminding them that a little bit today goes a long way," Howard Fancy said.

"Research tells us that parents and families have a significant impact on the educational achievement of their children through the different ways they are involved in their learning.

"The research also shows families and communities are looking for advice on how to help their children learn from people they trust and relate to.

"So the Team Up programme has collated a wealth of information and tips for practical everyday use by parents. We enlisted Tana Umaga to help deliver the tips because parents were more likely to respond. The most important message Tana delivers is about parents talking with and doing things together with their children, encouraging them in their learning," Howard Fancy said.

Next month a website will be set up, while an 0800 number and printed information will be made available to parents in February next year. Brochures about choosing an early childhood education provider and understanding assessment are also part of the programme.

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