Free parenting lessons to be piloted

The classes are being piloted for mothers and fathers with children aged under five in Middlesbrough, High Peak in Derbyshire, and Camden.

They will be offered £100 vouchers to pay for the sessions, and organisations will bid for contracts to provide them.

Issues covered are likely to include communication, managing conflict, discipline and creating routine and boundaries.

Children’s Minister Sarah Teather said the trials would start next summer and run for two years. The scheme will cost £5m for the vouchers plus set-up costs.

“Parents have one of the toughest and most important jobs – but unlike so many other areas of our lives, they don’t get a training manual or a how-to guide.

“I want to get rid of the stigma attached to asking for help. Parenting classes aren’t just for struggling families with complex problems. All parents should know it’s OK to ask for extra support and guidance when they need it.”