Six Island mums are celebrating after achieving open college network accreditations in Play Plus after taking part in the Share programme, a scheme co-ordinated by the Isle of Wight Council’s community and family learning service.

The Play Plus course provides parents with a greater understanding of the importance of play and how it can assist their children’s education. Over the past year, the parents have been involved in making and playing games with their children at Oakfield CE Primary School and continuing learning through play together at home.

Activities included games to encourages co-operation and good communication – including balancing small items on a large pieces of material, hoopla, dominoes and creating models out of play dough.  Every parent was challenged to design and make two different types of games, one for outdoors and one for inside.

Share is a national family learning programme that aims to improve children’s educational attainment. It encourages parents to take an active interest in their children’s education while furthering their own.

Cllr Dawn Cousins, Isle of Wight Council cabinet member responsible for children, social care, health and housing said:

“The Share programme is a very important part of our community and family learning service. Many parents have benefited from learning how to assist in their child’s development through the scheme and I would like to congratulate those who have just completed the course.”

Helene Allen, Share Tutor at Oakfield CE Primary said:

“Throughout the course we have taken part in many fun sessions learning about important aspects of play and the ways it can help in a child’s development. The six mums who took part in the Play Plus course showed great enthusiasm and commitment and most are continuing with another Share course next year.”