Nursery World - Parent plan can improve behaviour

A parenting programme piloted in 11 Sure Start centres in Wales is effective in reducing behavioural problems among children and is likely to be cost-effective, according to new research. A team from the University of Wales, Bangor, found that the evidence-based Incredible Years parenting programme, developed in the US, helped reduce stress and depression among parents and antisocial behaviour among children.

A team from the University of Wales, Bangor, found that the evidence-based Incredible Years parenting programme, developed in the US, helped reduce stress and depression among parents and antisocial behaviour among children.

The researchers said their findings had 'important lessons' for Government.

'Unlike the disappointing results from the national evaluation of Sure Start, it shows that choosing an evidence-based programme can achieve remarkable outcomes in high-risk children whose parents generally fail to engage with services.'

The study, published on the British Medical Journal website, involved parents from socially disadvantaged areas with three- and four-year-olds at most risk of conduct disorder.

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