Primary level 

Baby-parent observation 

A parent and young baby visit a class weekly for about a year. Children observe the relationship, and think about what the developing baby is feeling and expressing. 

 

Secondary level 

Role play / forum theatre  

Drama is very powerful and memorable. 

 

Baby for the weekend 

Taking home a baby doll for a weekend, programmed to cry four times a night.

 

Anonymous questions to put in a box 

These can cover any topic relevant to sex, relationships, procreation, families etc. and will be answered in class by school staff. 

 

Invited speakers 

Students often remember what visitors say more than what their teachers say. Include people who are, or have been, teenage or single parents. 

 

Using the arts 

Writing and performing plays, making art, photography, writing/performing poetry and songs…. 

 

Performances  

To school assemblies or parents’ events. 

 

Buddying 

Buddying an under-five over several months who needs extra attention: proven to do wonders for disaffected teenagers. 

 

Early years placements 

A weekly time, over months, in a variety of settings. 

 

True and false statements 

Students pick one from a box, decide if true or not and invite class discussion. 

 

A perspective on childhood 

Accounts of childhood from the past and globally. These can also be within history, geography or English lessons. 

 

Primary and secondary level 

Flour babies 

Children and young people are given a 7lb ‘baby’ to hold 24/7 for several days. 

 

Some of the topics we have included: 

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• Why people have children 

• Emotional needs of babies, children, teenagers and parents 

• The meaning of difficult behaviour 

• The mobile phone mother (and father) 

• Domestic violence and discord and their effects on children 

• Physical punishment - and other ways to discipline 

• Attachment and bonding 

• Ambivalence in all relationships 

• The roles of fathers 

• Step-families and half-siblings 

• Single parents and teen parenthood 

• Choice of partner 

• Listening your baby and child 

• A child’s curiosity and need for autonomy 

• What it’s really like with a new baby 

• When babies cry  

• How parenthood affects relationships  

• Getting advice, help and support 

• What parents need 

• The vital importance of the very first years.