PARENTS are set to go back to the classroom in order to understand and support their children after a pilot course proved a huge success.

A dozen parents from The Redeemer Primary School, Blackburn, took part in the parent fellowship course over five mornings.

It was aimed at showing them what children learn at school, how they are taught, and how adults can support their education at home.

The scheme, delivered by Blackburn with Darwen Council, was designed by the University of the First Age (UFA), a Birmingham-based national education charity.

It works with local authorities, schools, organisations, communities and individuals to enrich and extend learning for young people aged five to 25.

The parent fellowship course, which included topics such as "how the brain works", "creativity in the classroom" and "how to do a mind map", was so successful, it will now be rolled out to all schools across the borough.

Joanne Pegg, whose children Joshua, 10, and sven-year-old Ellie are pupils at the Jack Walker Way school, said: "It was really good, we did all sorts of activities learning about how children's brains work and how different children respond best to different strategies, such as through music, or colours.

"My son's weak point is English and the course gave me lots of ideas about how to help him.

"I'd jump at the chance to do another extended course on it."

Kay Mayfield, who has two sons at the school and is also a welfare assistant there, was equally enthusiastic.

She said: "It was really helpful, learning about how kids' minds work. We really enjoyed it but it also means I can help my children by providing the right environment at home. For instance, we learned how important it is to give them a healthy snack and drink when they get in from school, so they can concentrate on their homework."

All the parents were presented with certificates by Cath Hitchen, the council's assistant director of children's services, and UFA partnership manager Sharon Howard.

Sharon said: "The council has worked with UFA for six years, and we've done lots of training for childcare professionals, but we wanted to do something specifically for parents "Research shows increased parental involvement in a child's learning outside of school can lead to higher attainment and improved life chances for those children, through raising their self esteem.

"Parents have really enjoyed the programme and are asking us what they can do next, which is great. We now hope to do some extended courses, and next year we want to start training for others in the community."

Lancashire County Council, which covers Hyndburn, Ribble Valley, Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale, is also a member of the UFA, which offers a wide range of courses to raise youngsters' aspirations. For more information go to www.aoy.org.uk.