Factors affecting participation in Sure Start programmes: a qualitative investigation of parents' views

Abstract

The objectives of the present study were to examine the factors that parents identify as promoting or hindering participation in Sure Start programmes, and to identify methods for enhancing parents' engagement with Sure Start. A qualitative, in-depth interview study was conducted with parents registered with two local Sure Start programmes based in the East Midlands, UK, and located in inner city areas with a range of health and social problems associated with social exclusion and disadvantage. Sixty parents, guardians or carers of children living in both Sure Start areas were recruited during autumn of 2004 on the basis of whether they were identified as a 'frequent user' or 'non-frequent user' of Sure Start services. The data were analysed using a thematic approach supported by NVivo computer software, and explanatory themes were subsequently tested for completeness and adequacy. The results of the study indicated that parents who used Sure Start services were positive about the benefits that they obtained for themselves and their children, in particular in overcoming a sense of isolation. Parents who were non-frequent users identified a number of practical reasons that prevented them using Sure Start services, although parents also recognised a loss of confidence and trust in the local communities summarised in the phrase 'keeping myself to myself'. Parents' awareness of the targeted nature of Sure Start can also lead to stigma and reluctance to use services. It is concluded that continued investment of time and effort in maintaining communication networks between Sure Start staff and local parents is vital if parents and children are to make the best use of Sure Start services.

The role of ‘embeddedness’ in the delivery of integrated children's services

“…This is an interesting repositioning given the criticism that community based provisions have previously received (Avis et al, 2007;Pugh, 1998). Understanding the local community needs, concerns and interests appeared to drive innovative practice in some settings, but not all.…”

“…Integrating Children's Centre activities in local communities has been a challenge since their inception as SSLPs. This is particularly noted as an issue in literature that identifies poor communication with parents and a lack of visibility in the local neighbourhood (Avis, Bulman, & Leighton, 2007) as contributory factors. Several reports considered how SSLPs maximised access to services for children and families (Garbers, Tunstill, Allnock, & Akhurst, 2006).…”

“…The underlying ethos of Children's Centres is one of collaboration across statutory and voluntary sectors (Clarke, 2006) involving social care, health and education (Anning & Ball, 2008;Anning, Cottrell, Frost, Green, & Robinson, 2006;Avis et al, 2007). There is an underlying assumption that integrated services offer a better means to combat the negative effects of poverty and disadvantage on children and families (Coe, Gibson, Spencer, & Stuttaford, 2008;Pugh, 2010).…”

England’s <i>Sure Start</i> Pre-School Child Care Centres: Public Policy, Progress and Political Change

“…One problem which emerged in evaluative studies of Sure Start was that of integrating the work of health care, social work, child care and clinical psychology specialists involved (Anning & Ball, 2008;Avis et al, 2007, Edgley & Avis, 2006. Apparently programming in some areas was working better than in others, and this could have been due to varying degrees of integration of the professionals involved, or of the differing nature of the communities in which intervention was attempted (Barnes, 2007;Melhuish et al, 2007;Melhuish, Belsky, & Barnes, 2010;Raymond, 2009).…”

Parents dépendants à l’alcool et aux drogues

“…Or, trop souvent les dispensateurs de PEHP sont confrontés à des difficultés importantes de rétention de la clientèle (Avis, Bulman et Leighton, 2007;Dumas, Nissley-Tsiopinis et Moreland, 2007;Dumas, Begle, French et Pearl, 2010 Au-delà de ces dimensions organisationnelles et cliniques, différents modèles conceptuels conçus à ce jour en lien avec l'engagement des parents dans des programmes d'intervention (Kazdin, Holland et Crowley, 1997;McCurdy et Daro, 2001;Spoth et Redmond, 1995) considèrent que des caractéristiques personnelles des participants au programmes sont susceptibles d'influencer l'engagement. Ainsi, des caractéristiques propres aux parents, à leur enfant ou à la famille permettent de fournir des pistes explicatives quant à l'engagement des parents.…”