Children and Family Hubs: Hackney

From 35% to 99%: How Hackney's Children and Family Hubs are using Peep to work in partnership with parents to build confidence in supporting their children

In Hackney, the Peep Learning Together Programme is transforming how families support their children’s early development. Local practitioners are working in partnership with parents to improve their confidence in making learning a part of everyday life. The results are striking: over the past year, parents have reported big leaps in confidence and home learning activities, underlining the measurable impact of the programme.

Strong partnerships across Hackney 

During the year to March 2025, Hackney practitioners ran six-week Peep Learning Together groups in 26 children’s centres, hubs, nurseries and schools across the borough. 216 families attended the groups, mostly with three to four year old children. Nearly two-thirds lived in areas of high deprivation. Attendance was excellent, with families attending on average five out of six sessions. This level of engagement reflects the strong relationships formed between practitioners and parents.

Impact on parental confidence and home learning

The outcomes are striking:

• Parents’ confidence about supporting their child’s learning and development rose from 35% before Peep to 99% afterwards.
• 94% said Peep helped them support their child’s early language development.

“Since doing these activities, I have noticed a change in his speech and he expresses his feelings more than before. I use the ‘5 steps’ and it helps me understand my child more and he understands me more too.”  Parent, Comet Nursery & Children’s Centre

Everyday home learning activities also increased dramatically:

• Reading or sharing books rose from 29% to 81%
• Singing songs or rhymes together up from 29% to 87%
• Making marks and playing with letters and numbers saw similar increases. 

Finding these opportunities to play and learn together has other important benefits. 88% of parents reported a positive difference in their relationship with their child after the programme.

“During play activities, we talk more about what we are doing and expand our language. Showing more interest has developed our relationship even more than I thought it could.” Parent, Little Buds Day Nursery

Peer support and practitioner reflections

One of the things that makes Peep groups most effective is the combination of the Learning Together Programme being delivered by caring and skilled practitioners, with parents who are willing to join in and have a go. They create a safe space for families to support and learn from each other.

“It has been really helpful to voice anxieties and express opinions and learn more from other parents at a similar stage.”  Parent, Mapledene Children’s Centre

“I liked everything about Peep. I get to learn from other parents as they share their experience and also things they do with their child/ren. I like how the coordinators do their things.”  Parent, Rainbow Nursery

Overall, as both parents and staff found, a little can go a long way.

“The parents enjoyed the interactive sessions. They have become more aware of the kind of language to use around their children to help support and expand their vocabulary. Many shared how just 10 to 15 minutes of daily, focused time with their child has helped build stronger bonds and positive relationships.”  Nursery manager, Rooftop Nursery

The Peep groups across Hackney's Children and Family Hubs clearly demonstrate how this partnership approach helps children to thrive. The practitioners used their skills and experience to create welcoming, non-judgmental groups for families. They selected topics from the Peep Learning Together Programme that were most relevant to their local families and parents engaged with the ideas about child development, trying things out at home and sharing their experiences with each other - their willingness was reinforced as they noticed the difference it made to their child’s talking, playing and learning, and – just as importantly – to their parent-child relationship. 

Thanks to Alex Charalambous, Parenting Programmes & Home Learning Coordinator, Hackney Early Years, and to the families and practitioners involved in Peep in Hackney

Visit Hackney Council's website for more information on the support they offer for younger children and their families.