A group of parent ambassadors from schools in Leeds West welcomed Rachel Reeves, Labour’s local parliamentary candidate, to their residential training programme this week at Northern College in South Yorkshire.

The parent ambassadors are from a range of schools in Farnley – Cobden, Ryecroft, Lawns Park and Farnley High School, and they receive training and support, to help them to help their children and to encourage other parents to get more involved in their children’s education and to brush up on their own skills. It’s a great scheme for parents and also for their children. Rachel was pleased to be able to attend their residential training event, to lead a session on communication skills.

Rachel said, “I think the parent ambassadors group is great, really ground-breaking. It’s excellent for the parents to be able to meet and support one another, and receive training that will in turn help their children to succeed. The parent ambassadors group is well led by Christine Morton, and I hope that it can continue to grow and succeed.” The group also work with Education Leeds and Leeds University and many parents are now studying for qualifications – some for the first time.

Two of the parent ambassadors who attended the residential training are Sarah Haseltine and Lisa Barker. Sarah said, “Its great to help parents understand how much there is out there to support them. Maths and English have changed a lot in recent years, and courses like this help us to help other parents and their children”.

Lisa commented, “We’ve come to this course to help us to be able to approach parents within the school environment. Parent ambassador groups are there to help parents feel at ease. I’d encourage any parents to join in!”