enabling parents study

This independent study examined the impact of the Peep programme for parents/carers. It compared 75 mothers who had attended a Peep group with an equal number of mothers who were individually matched on demographic characteristics and were living in an area with a very similar socio-economic profile, but with no access to Peep.

key findings

The study found that Peep parents, compared to the non-Peep parents:

• reported significantly greater awareness about how to help their child's literacy development
• improved their socio-economic status (as measured by their job)
• took more courses, particularly in basic skills.

Parents also considered Peep to be a source of support and encouragement.

The full report or key findings of the Enabling Parents Study can be downloaded here. The study was carried out by Professor Kathy Sylva and her team at the University of Oxford (2008).

Peep also offers parent accreditation based on everyday activities that parent and child do together, recorded in a portfolio or scrapbook. As well as being a lasting memento, the accreditation can also act as a stepping stone for parents’ own learning.