SHAUNA Doyle (36) is busily putting up bunting in the parents' room at St Mark's Primary School in Twinbrook, Belfast - getting out the flags, pencils, pens and other equipment for an active, fun-filled Fast (Families And Schools Together) session later in the afternoon.
Her own two children have gone on to secondary school but now St Mark's is where she spends most of her day. "I love it," Shauna laughs.
For many years, however, spending time at school was not Shauna's idea of a good time. In fact, it took 13 years of taking her children to the school gates before she saw their school in a whole new light after becoming involved with the Fast programme last April. "All those years we were all busy, in our own bubbles," she explains. "Although people would be friendly when they dropped off the children, there was no structure or mechanism to get the parents together. I think a lot of us were isolated." "So when the letter came home from St Mark's about Fast, I thought I'd give it a try. It sounded like fun and a good way to get to know other parents and the teachers."
Fast is a scheme aimed at building stronger bonds between parents, schools and communities, to ensure children get the support they need to shine at school. It operates successfully internationally and is delivered in Northern Ireland by Save the Children. "Research has shown that around 80 per cent of the difference in how well children do at school is dependent on what happens beyond the school gates, whether in the home or the wider community, " says Annette McCann, Save the Children's Fast coordinator. "One of the factors that influence a child's success in learning is the type of support and stimulation their parents provide at home. Another is the relationship parents have with their child's school. The early years are critical. That's why Fast brings families and schools together; to break down barriers and help children fulfil their potential and improve their chances in life."
During each eight-week 'Fastcycle', children and parents engage in activities to improve educational outcomes and wellbeing, including preparing and eating a family meal together, play, learning and communication activities and one-to-one parent-child support. Parents also work on communitybuilding and take part in sessions with other parents.
Shauna admits she could never have imagined just how much of a transformation the initiative would make to her life or her community. "To be honest, I was stuck in a rut: not working and I really didn't have any direction," Shauna says.
But after the first few sessions of Fast I was really fired up. It was brilliant. You could actually see that the parents were enjoying the games, the activities, the cooking, the whole thing. The children loved it too." "But it's not just about having a bit of craic. Because we had a weekly session we got to know each other properly.
We were able to form friendships, support each other and it was amazing how many people said they were so grateful for a chance to know more about the school and see how it was run."
Shauna, who initailly participated as a volunteer in Fast, is now employed as the school parents co-ordinator at St Mark's. "I know that the programme claims it can actually improve educational attainment and attendance. Certainly, that's my experience. Also, it has made the children more confident and really respect their school," she says.
The St Mark's experience mirrors that of parents in Fast schools elsewhere in the north. Following completion of the Fast programme, 81 per cent of parents reported feeling more able to support their child in his or her education, according to organisers. "This programme works, and we can measure it from our research with parents and schools," Annette says.
She says school authorities have noticed that parents find it easier to approach staff and have welcomed the strengthened relationships. As parents feel more valued and empowered they take a more active role in schools. According to Annette McCann, "participation is entirely voluntary". "But we're finding that once a school has completed its first Fast cycle, families are asking when the next one is going to happen and can they take part."
* For information about Fast email a.mccann@savethechildren.co.uk.