Bristol's Parents as Partners in Early Learning (PPEL) Programme began in April 2007 as a 12 month DCSF funded pilot programme under the guidance of National Strategies. The programme, now funded by the Local Authority, has been successfully rolled out to15 early years settings across the city.
Aim
The aim of the programme is to work in partnership with parents and children to develop children's language and speaking skills and to raise attainment particularly in relation to Communication, Language and Literacy (CLL). We also want to promote and reinforce the principle that education starts in the home. Young children's development and future education can be enhanced through programmes that engage parents who are not aware of the positive impact they have
Activities
Research tells us that when children draw upon their own experiences for play, their learning is deeper and more effective. The PPEL Programme involves using photographs, families borrow digital cameras from the setting and either use them in the setting or take them home. They then take photographs with their children of anything that interests them, for example It could be photos on a walk, from a trip to the park, of their homes, bedroom, families, toys etc. The families then bring the cameras back and, with support from staff, download the pictures into a series of games (using the Games maker template) - like snap, jigsaws, matching games. They can also make books out of the pictures. These games assist in learning and development and they differ from commercially bought games because parents and children make them together, they are personal to the family and also representative of their culture and language.
Please follow the link on the left Games maker - screen shots to view screen shots of the simple IT package parents and children are using to create these games.
Next steps
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The Centre for Excellence and Outcomes in Children and Young People's Services (C4EO) has validated Bristol's PPEL Programme as an example of good/promising practice. Our practice example has now been published on the C4EO website and can be viewed here: http://www.c4eo.org.uk/themes/general/vlpdetails.aspx?lpeid=86
Further information
If you would like any further information on Bristol’s PPEL Pilot Project please contact:
Anna Mankelow
PPEL Project Co-ordinator
Early Years & Childcare Service
Email: anna.mankelow@bristol.gov.uk
Tel: 0117 92 22601