Exploring What Parents of Children under 5 Years Old Say Could Help Them Engage in a Programme about Child Development

This exploratory qualitative research used interviews and a focus group to explore the views of parents of children under five regarding what could help them engage in a child development programme being set up by the Educational Psychology Service. Using thematic analysis parents’ views were brought together to understand what has helped them engage in groups, what would attract them and hold their interest in a group run by the EPs and what would be potential barriers. The research found that parents use prior experiences to reflect on what they want from groups and that they were attracted through advertisements in familiar places and learning in areas of interest. They highlight the importance of supportive staff and a variety of activities as well as an awareness of the benefit of engagement for themselves and their child. Furthermore, parents shared practical and personal barriers that can make it difficult to attend groups.