The ‘Families Learning Together Project’ (FLT) is a continuation fund from the ‘Family Learning Scotland Project’ which saw Peep implemented within early years in all 32 local authorities throughout Scotland. This previous funding has given Peeple strong foundations to build on, ensuring that Peep is recognised by families but also anyone working with families.
The project is an early intervention and prevention approach that supports improved attainment as well as excellence and equity leading to positive outcomes for families. The FLT project is part of the wider ‘Whole Family Wellbeing Fund’ (WFWF) and is in response to the Scottish Governments vision for Scotland ‘to be the best place in the world to grow up’.
The Peep Approach
The Peep Learning Together Programme helps parents, carers and practitioners make the most of the learning opportunities in everyday life, supporting their babies’ and young children’s learning through play.
Research has found that the main influences on young children’s outcomes are the quality of the relationship with their parents and carers, and what they do with their family, from birth (known as the Home Learning Environment). Early intervention makes a real difference. Our evidence-based Peep Learning Together Programme contributes to this, by helping:
- parents and carers to improve their children’s life chances, by:
- developing sensitive and responsive relationships with their babies and children,
- making the most of day-to-day learning opportunities – listening, talking, playing, singing, and sharing books and stories together,
- recognising and building on their own learning potential and achievements,
- babies and children to become confident communicators and learners through play
- practitioners to develop their work with parents/carers and young children
- communities to narrow the attainment gap, which appears even before children reach school.
Practitioners from any sector can use the structured but flexible Programme once they have completed the two-day Peep LTP Training. This includes downloadable access to information, ideas and activities within 74 child development topics, each with session plans and parent handouts. The Programme covers five strands of child development, which it aims to improve by working with parents:
- personal, social and emotional development
- communication and language
- early literacy
- early maths
- health and physical development.
We currently have free places available on the two-day online course, with dates available early 2025. There is also a further opportunity for practitioners to complete Practitioner accreditation following the training. The accreditation will help quality assure your Peep Learning Together Programme (LTP) delivery, enhance your work with families, and contribute to your professional development (3 credits at level 6). Approval from your line manager is essential.
If you would like any further information about the Peep programmes or if you are interested in attending Peep LTP training, please contact Gillian at gillian.forbes@highland.gov.uk