| “At this stage in the programme of work, the policy suggestions are offered as potential directions of travel. In phase two we propose to flesh out and test fully fledged policies, based on in-depth interviews with practitioners, policy makers and parents themselves.” “…there is one area where government intervention is justified, it is precisely the area of life signalled by the term ‘nannying’ – the development of children’s capabilities.” “Sure Start is a hugely valuable programme, but is in danger of losing its focus. It should not be a new arm of the welfare state, but a clearly specified programme to provide a range of early years interventions.” “…greater emphasis in the early years initiatives delivered via Sure Start – including the broadened Family Nurse Partnership – should be placed on parental style and skills, and on the development of character capabilities that underpin so many other, later outcomes.” “The children of FNP parents show improved outcomes on a range of measures: cost-benefit analyses of the US programmes show a very high rate of return on the public investment made. However, the US programme has been more tightly targeted than the UK version.” “Health visitors should receive more training on parenting style, ‘motivational interview’ techniques, drawing on the tailored training for FNP nurses.” “The evidence that some children are ‘differentially susceptible’ to parenting quality…suggest there would be significant benefits from targeting support towards the parents of these children. This would reduce the risk of poorer long-term outcomes, but also enhance their chances of overcoming potentially difficult backgrounds.” “In the UK there is an urgent need for a body with the knowledge and capacity to evaluate programmes aimed at supporting parents.” “…the National Academy of Parenting Practitioners (NAPP) has the potential to use its institutional knowledge to act as a qualifying authority for parenting interventions…” | 