RECEPTION pupils are being helped to progress in school thanks to an initiative that sees their parents back in the classroom.

Running the course at Pontnewydd School in Cwmbran is Family Learning Co-ordinator Edith Wilson.

She explained that the ten week course for parents started in October for ten weeks, and with 16 parents signing onto the literacy programme it has been deemed a success.

She said: “The parents arrive and we discuss what things that they would like to brush up on and in the second half of the session their children, who are currently in reception, join in.”

Within the lesson the parents and their child undertake an activity, which aims to make learning fun. They use flash cards and make games to take home.

Ms Wilson added: “The children’s learning is base around phonics and we have helped parents to gain the skills to support their child’s learning to raise standards of education.”

Parent, Vikki Lawson, 22, explained that her four year old daughter Ellie was struggling so when she saw the classes advertised she jumped at the chance to learn the skills to support her.

She said: “As parents we are taught things that we have forgotten so that we can help our children. I believe it should be rolled out across all schools.

“My daughter loves the class as we get to spend time together so it makes it fun for both of us and I feel like I have a real connection to the school and my daughter’s education.”

In the new year, a further ten week course will run covering numeracy skills.

Lynne Neagle AM paid a visit to the group last Friday.

She said: “It was great to have the opportunity to see first-hand the really important work that’s taking place in schools like Pontnewydd Primary to support parents to become more involved in their children’s learning.

“We know that this is crucial for the future – not just in terms of boosting life chances for our children and young people, but also because it allows adults to recognise and address gaps in their own skills.”