Parenting Programme in the Oxford Diocese

How does the programme work?

One of the MU’s key aims is to support family life and the MU has developed this with its Parenting Programme, which trains people to lead and facilitate parenting groups. One of the special aspects of the programme is the fun and enjoyable way people are taught skills through a participatory approach. People attending the course develop in confidence as well as learning how to set up and facilitate a parenting group.

What is a Parenting Group?

Each group will vary, but typically consists of six to ten parents who meet for 6—8 weeks. Sessions are based on handbooks and videos with a topic discussed each time. Each weekly topic is the choice of the facilitator and group.

Often a small everyday issue can develop into a battle between parent and child. Parents in the group are able to swap ideas from their own experiences to help solve this sort of problem.

All Learners are offered ongoing support by the trainer and parenting coordinators (and also by MU members who assist with organising and running parenting groups).

How can I get involved?

MUPP Training is accredited by the London Open College Network

Obtaining the accreditation is very satisfying and can be a useful addition to a CV but learners can also use credits gained from the facilitators training course on their route to further study

To gain accreditation a Facilitator has to:

• Attend a training course
• Write up what they learn in a journal
• Set up and lead a parenting group
• Produce a “portfolio of evidence” illustrating how they have applied their training to facilitate the group
• In total this is likely to take about 60 hours

Sessional Facilitators courses

We are currently running a second modular course – over four Saturdays at approximately monthly intervals at Rippon College Cuddesdon, a very convenient and friendly venue just outside Oxford.

We find that people generally prefer to work in pairs to facilitate groups – it’s good to be able to share the responsibilities - more fun too…. So if you wanted to come on the next course with a friend that would be great. However, if you came on your own you would probably find someone with whom you could work. We also hold six monthly get-togethers for all our trained facilitators, so there are regular opportunities to meet experienced practitioners and perhaps join up with one in your locality to run your first group.

For anyone who would prefer to qualify via a residential course, we are also able to nominate people for those run in other Dioceses.

NB Applicants need not be members of the MU but if they are willing to facilitate a Parenting Group in conjunction with the Mothers’ Union, attendance on a Facilitators Course (including Open College Network Accreditation costs) may be free of charge.

For further information please contact the Mothers' Union office