Families Learning Together (Scotland)

Our new Families Learning Together evaluation report explores what happens when early, relationship-based family learning is embedded across local systems rather than delivered as a stand-alone programme.  Funded through the Whole Family Wellbeing Fund, it contributes to the Scottish Government's vision for Scotland ‘to be the best place in the world to grow up’.  The project worked across 11 Scottish local authority areas to test how evidence-based family learning could strengthen prevention and improve joined-up support for babies, young children and families.

The evaluation shows that relatively modest investment can contribute to meaningful system change when support is offered early, through trusted relationships, and in ways that reflect local context. 972 practitioners were trained and supported to deliver Peep programmes and/or parent qualifications via the Peep Progression Pathway. Practitioners were from sectors including health, education, speech and language therapy, community learning, libraries, prisons and third sector services.

The report highlights several important areas of national learning: prevention is most effective when support is relational, local and integrated; workforce development can help drive wider system change; and long-term impact depends on embedding approaches in existing services and partnerships. It offers practical learning about how whole-family support can be made more preventative, connected and sustainable.