Fathers Plus, established in 1997 by Children North East, provides training and support to engage fathers and male family members in their children's learning and well-being. Research highlights the positive impact of fathers' involvement, including improved school performance and social skills in children. The program has successfully targeted both resident and non-resident fathers, increasing male engagement in family activities and educational settings, particularly in museums and galleries.

2. Children North East Established 1891 Fathers Plus Service Established 1997 Provides training and specialist support to organisations Influences key local and national policies. Works directly with fathers and family men

3. What Fathers Plus isn't Not about father's rights. Not anti mother/women/female carer Not just about biological dads

4. Why work with family men in Museums and Galleries? Dads Matter to their children Research into fathers’ involvement in their children’s learning conducted by DCSF In 2006 found that when dads and male carers are involved in their child's learning from birth, the child is more likely to: • Do better at school – better behaviour, attendance and attainment • Become more competent • Be more empathic • Be more self-confident • Be less stereotyped in their gender roles. • Build better relationships in later life • Have better mental health Rebecca Goldman, DCSF 2006 ‘ Involving Fathers in Their Children’s Learning.’

5. "A Father-Child relationship has a profound and wide ranging impact on children that lasts a lifetime.“ Sarah Teather MP Minister of State for Children and Families

6. Why Dads only? Always use the F word! Research shows dads hear ‘ Parent’ as ‘mother’ for example ‘ Parent and toddler sessions’ Dads will attend if they think they wont be the only man in the room Safe environment (goldfish bowl) Build’s confidence Provides social opportunities with other men Male orientated activities are a hook Quality dad and child time Gives dads the agenda More likely to engage fully It’s the way like dads are treated – you know what I mean, like they’re an outsider – everything’s for mams isn’t it – you know there’s nowt for fathers… everything’s female.” Dad talking about parent and child activities

7. It’s what we needed; some quality time, just me and him – I don’t mean the mothers in the way – it’s been great for me and it has been for the littl’un as well. It shows that I want to be with him, that I care and that when things are fun and exciting that I’m there to share it with him... It’s just for the father and child to bond properly”. “ It has given me different ways of looking at things… I wouldn’t say I was a bad dad, but I have not taken as much notice as I have this last year… this has given me an extra boost. [It’s] spending quality time with them - normally I don’t have that quality time”.

8. Why Museums and galleries work for dads Neutral décor – not feminine Free of female bias (exhibitions, staffing,activities) Free of institutional overtones Learn by doing – hands on Open spaces They can do their own thing Act as a safe passage into other services – a recruitment tool for agencies such as Children’s Centres, Parenting Teams Fun!

9. Our Journey Together 2004 Worker Consultation Trips Dads and Kids Trips Dads Projects (Beamish/SMWG) 2005 Family Man Exhibition Celebration of Fatherhood Event (4,000 visitors) Family Man Exhibition on tour Development of Family Man website Celebration of Fatherhood Event (8,000 visitors) Family Man Schools outreach pilot Commissioning – Sunderland Parenting Team DLI Museum Dads Club 9 month programme of events Family man grows – Sunderland and Gateshead FACL commissions Family man continues – now over 60 schools since 2008 Go with Dad is launched as a family learning course in Durham 2011 News reaches Westminster! Andy Burnham MP Shadow Secretary for Education attends a Family Man Day and is extremely impressed! 2012 Watch this space – Join projects, Joint bids, more commissioning. Change of government

10. Adapting to changing times Having a product to sell (sell, sell!) The Family Man product is now self sustaining Who has commissioned the Family Man programme? Sunderland Parenting Commissioner Sunderland Extended Schools Sunderland Family, Adult and Community Learning Gateshead Family Learning Individual schools across North East Earning the project over £30,000 in 2 years - covering running costs and future development working in over 40 schools Working in this way helps commissioning organisations to meet their statutory requirements in engaging men. (Sunderland Parenting Team recorded a increase of male accessing parenting provision across the City from 6% to 57% as they used the sessions as hooks to enrolment) “ We were absolutely delighted with the reaction we received from our male family members. It’s extremely important that we are able to build and maintain positive relationships with all our families – ‘Family Man through the Ages’ has allowed us to target male carers through an interactive, hands-on learning experience. “ Ruth Firth, Deputy Headteacher, Diamond Hall Infant School

11. Who we engaged in Sunderland Of these biological fathers almost 50% were non resident. The programme targets dads who don’t live in the family home by setting the child the task of taking the invitation direct to their dads. The is usually the first contact they have with the school

12. I loved spending time with my dad and eating lunch together and I love him so much and that’s it! I love my dad VERY MUCH!” I was excited... I thought my dad wasn’t coming but he did. I want him to come every day!” “We learnt more about the Romans, more than we learnt in lessons” “ It was a great experience because we usually just have Mams coming in” I think it was ‘classic!”

13. News of Family Man travels to Westminster Andy Burnham MP Shadow Secretary of State for Education Grange Park Primary in Sunderland Courtesy of Northern Echo 2011 “ Things like this, getting dads into schools does make a real difference to the kids. It gets dads more involved in their children’s education and learning, and I think it’s a very positive thing.”

14. Training for Museum Professionals 2 nd December 2011 10am –1pm Segedunum The training will focus on: Enhancing your family event programmes to include fathers Developing partnership work with local dads groups and organisations Identifying barriers to male inclusion in your venue How to get fathers and family men though the door and how to keep them Developing team father/male involvement plan. Book your place through Claudia Knott

15. Charlotte Dack Children North East: Fathers Plus www.fathersplus.org 0845 1307225