The East Lothian Father-Friendly Schools (ELFFS) project was a pilot study that took place between January and June 2017. 

Read the summary briefing or full reportor Father Inclusion Guide for schools

Watch our dad-friendly video tips on YouTube

It was designed and delivered by Prestonpans Infant School with support from DadsWork and Fathers Network Scotland. The University of Edinburgh delivered the research.

“When we have asked dads what makes us a father-friendly school, they said to us: ‘You know our name, you come and you speak with us, you know our children, you know our situation, and most importantly you really want to know….” 

Alison Cameron, Acting Headteacher and project facilitator at Prestonpans Infant School. 

WHY WE DID IT

In Scotland, the critical role parents play in the education of their children is recognised and highlighted by the Scottish Schools (Parental Involvement) Act 2006, and is supported by policies such as ‘getting it right for every child’1,  (Scottish Government 2012:6) and the National Improvement Framework for Scottish Education, in order to reach the government’s vision for Scotland to be ‘the best place in the world to grow up’. 

Yet despite ample research on the positive impact of paternal involvement in education on children’s development, dads in Scotland are significantly less likely than mums to form a positive partnership with their child’s school. We sought to better understand the barriers in order to help dads and schools understand each other for the benefit of the children. (continues below)

WHAT WE DID

• We surveyed 116 dads and 56 staff members in the 6 participating schools

• We interviewed teachers, fathers and spoke with children

• We drew on the Millennium Cohort Study (MCS) – a large scale survey  of children and their families

WHAT WE DISCOVERED

Read the summary briefing of the report: Father Involvement in Primary Schools – A pilot study

Read the full report: Father Involvement in Primary Schools – A pilot study

Read the Father Inclusion Guide for Schools

Read our blog on the report launch

Watch our dad-friendly video tips on YouTube

http://www.fathersnetwork.org.uk/dad_friendly_schools

DadsWork offers its families the opportunity in partnership with Edinburgh Greenspace Trust a session of Winter Wreath Making. Come along and make that special Christmas Wreath for yourself or a loved one, whilst enjoying some Christmas music, coffee, tea and a mince pie with hot chocolate for the children on Tuesday 4th December 2018 at DadsWork, c/o First Step Community Project, 37 Galt  Avenue, Musselburgh, East Lothian, EH21 8HU, 6.00pm – 8.00pm.

Further information from Kevin Young, Project Manager, 01316650484/07833741768 or email: dadswork@hotmail.co.uk

http://www.facebook.com/events/264404694428328/?notif_t=plan_user_associated&notif_id=1542713778875149

DadsWork in partnership with Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust will offer a series of woodland activities.

Thursday November 29th 2018:
* Conservation & Kelly Kettle
Tuesday 4th December 2018:
*Winter Wreath – Making 
Thursday 13th December 2018:
*Tree Identification, Wood Decorations, Knots, Square Lash & Furniture Making

Thursday 24th January 2019:
* Willow Weaving & Kelly Kettle
Thursday 31st January 2019:
*Bird Watching & Bird Box Making
Thursday 7th February 2019:
*Tree Identification, Wood Decorations, Knots, Square Lash & Furniture Making

If your interested in taking part in the programme please contact Kevin Young, DadsWork Project Manager 01316650848 / 07833741768 or email: dadswork@hotmail.co.uk

http://www.facebook.com/events/710471869310289/

http://www.facebook.com/events/515724178906983/

DadsWork will play Dadtastic Club from Pilton, Edinburgh at Port Seton Resource Centre  on Wednesday 7th November in a friendly game of 7 a side football, bringing dads groups from East Lothian and Edinburgh together through sport playing football.

Walk & Talk is a new walking group through DadsWork which gives you
the opportunity to engage in regular exercise and have a positive impact
on your physical, mental health & well-being.
Physical Health Benefits: Reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke &
diabetes. Lowering blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Increasing
muscle strength & flexibility & increasing sleep.
Mental Health Benefits: Decrease Stress & Anxiety, Improve self
confidence, Release “feel good” hormones which create happiness &
relaxation. Meet others whilst engaging with nature & reduce Isolation.

All our walks will be relaxed and achievable by everyone:

Monday 12th November 2018: Trapain Law
Monday 19th November 2018: Haddington & River Tyne
Monday 26th November 2018: Gullane Bay
Monday 3rd December 2018: Presmennan Woods
Monday 10th December 2018: St Baldred’s Cradle &
Ravensheugh Sands

Transport will be provided
from First Step Community
Project
Hot Drinks after each walk
If you are interested in any
walk or would like more
information please contact:
Kevin Young 01316650848 /
07833741768
email:
dadswork@hotmail.co.uk

Walk & Talk 2018

http://www.facebook.com/events/344415452973985

Dads 2 B East Lothian returns on Wednesday 7th November through to Wednesday 28th November 2018, 6.30pm – 8.30pm at First Step Community Project, 37 Galt Avenue, Musselburgh, East Lothian, EH21 8HU

Course Contents:

Session 1: Labour & Birth

Session 2: Baby First Aid, Baby Care Skills; Bathing/Nappy Changing & Dressing your baby

Session 3: Crying Baby & Early Days, Feeding

Session 4: Post Natal Depression, Baby Brain Development & Communication, Dads Experiences

If you are a dad  2 b or know a dad 2 b who would be interested in attending this course or any future course please contact: Kevin Young, DadsWork Project Manager 01316650848 / 07833741768 or email: dadswork@hotmail.co.uk

http://www.facebook.com/Dads2BEastLothian