This week,  the Isle of Wight Council received national recognition at a reception in the House of Lords.  The IW Council were up-held  as an example of good practice for the way it delivers training and accreditation of practitioners who work with parents.

On Monday 29th June, a party from the Isle of Wight was honoured at a reception at the House of Lords which was hosted by Labour Peer Baroness Massey of Darwen. The group included 19 students who have successfully completed a City and Guilds qualification in working with parents.

The qualifications also served as a pilot scheme for the National Academy of Parenting Practitioners (NAPP). The reception was a celebration of this achievement and also the development of quality parenting support provision on the Island.

Singled out for special praise during the reception were Isle of Wight Council officers Penny Crossley, Jan Jasicki, and Sarah Teague who helped the students achieve the qualifications through providing support, guidance and training.

Some of the methods used by Isle of Wight Council were also highlighted as good practice. This included setting up tutor and peer observation sessions, introducing a probationary period after training and establishing a mentoring system and supervision groups.

A group from Isle of Wight Council also accompanied the trip to London including Chief Executive Steve Beynon, Leader David Pugh and Councillors Dawn Cousins, Heather Humby and George Cameron.

Speaking after the event, Steve Beynon said

“This national recognition of good practice shows the Isle of Wight is leading the way in providing training and accreditation for people who work with parents.

“This is a prestigious reward for all the hard work and dedication shown not only by council staff, but also the students who worked tirelessly to complete the qualifications”

Isle of Wight Council Leader David Pugh said

“It was a very proud moment to see the Isle of Wight receive such high level recognition. I offer my congratulations to all those involved”