Parent’s Voice Report

The Foundation Years Trust was commissioned by Wirral Council to gather insights from parents of children aged 0–5 across Wirral to inform the Early Years Strategy 2022–2026. With support from community partners, over 100 families were engaged, including parents for whom English is not their first language, and parents of children with disabilities. Using creative activities and focus groups, parents shared hopes for their children, views on childcare, and community support needs.

Insights gathered: April 2022 - May 2022

• Children and young people
• Families
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Benefit conditions/changes
• Experience of service provision
• Ethnic minority communities

Insights gathered by

The Foundation Years Trust

Aim

The aim of the consultation was to understand parents’ priorities for their children’s development and wellbeing as they grow up, and to identify barriers and opportunities in childcare and community support. The consultation aimed to contribute to Wirral’s Early Years Strategy by amplifying parent voices, particularly those who are not typically engaged in consultation, ensuring services meet family needs and aspirations.

People engaged with

The target group was parents of children aged 0–5 across Wirral. 

Over 100 families participated, predominantly mothers. Community partners (Wirral Multicultural Organisation, Koala Northwest and Bee Wirral) helped to engage:

• Parents of children with disabilities.

• Parents with disabilities.

• Families from ethnic minority backgrounds.

• Families for whom English is not a first language.

Methods

Insights were gathered through creative activities and discussions in existing parent groups and individual sessions (some with interpreter support). Parents responded to five open-ended questions using templates (heart and hand shapes) and informal conversations.

The questions were:

• What are your hopes and dreams for your child?

• What can you as a parent do to support your child?

• What can your child do to support themselves to achieve?

• What can the nursery/school setting do to support my child?

• What can the community do to support my child? 

 

The first question was presented with a heart shape, allowing parents to write or draw answers. The subsequent questions were presented with the outline of a hand, allowing five points to be made. Some sessions were audio recorded to capture nuanced comments. The insights were thematically analysed according to the questions asked.

Key insights

My hopes and dreams for my child:
Parents said they want their children to grow up to be kind, confident, resilient and with the skills to learn. Good health, both physically and mentally was important. They hoped for good prospects for their child, either in education or job/career opportunities. Parents wanted their child to be involved in their community, helping it to be a good place to live and work. They wanted their children to have a full life, with lots of friends, good social networks, leisure activities, music and fun.

 

What can I do as a parent to support my child?
Parents were clear about what they could do to support their child’s learning and education, but some acknowledged that they do not always have the time to do so. They felt they needed good public and community facilities to support them in their role.

 

Parents emphasised that it was their role to:

• Provide a healthy diet, exercise, and good sleep routines.

• Attend health appointments.

• Seek help when needed.

• Support their child’s learning through reading, phonics, imaginative play, and child-led activities.

• Support emotional wellbeing by offering love, praise, patience, and listening.

• Build confidence, encourage expression, and teach compassion, morals, and boundaries without harsh discipline.

• Support communication and language development

• Be present in their child’s day.

• Be a role model for their child, nurturing resilience, kindness, and a sense of belonging.

 

What can my child do to support themselves to achieve?
When parents were asked what their child can do to support their own progress, responses focused on what children need to learn before starting school, such as self-care skills including walking, feeding themselves, visiting the toilet independently, getting dressed and learning to read. Parents wanted their children to be confident, brave, kind and willing to learn. They were keen that their children always know they can ask for help, and never be afraid to talk about how they are feeling.

 

What can the nursery and/or school setting do to support my child?
Parents want nurseries and schools to ensure children are happy and supported emotionally and socially. They expect stimulating learning activities, speech and language support, independence skills and moral guidance. Parents from ethnic minority backgrounds wanted nursery to teach children about different cultures, and to respect their family culture.

 

Many parents pointed out they did not know where to find out about suitable childcare, how to get a place and what it would cost. Others highlighted the need for flexible childcare places for parents who do shift work. Parents would also value being able to view potential settings without an appointment.

There were many comments regarding the cost of childcare, with parents requesting better access, including places for two-year-olds, more affordable childcare, reduce fees, and more financial help for those who are not eligible for funding but cannot afford childcare. There was a general consensus that working does not necessarily pay once childcare fees are taken into account.

Parents want strong communication from childcare settings and schools, qualified staff, Special Educational Needs and Disability resources, and smooth transitions into school.

 

What can my community do to support my child?
Parents want communities to provide accessible advice, clear signposting, and inclusive support groups. They value affordable, drop-in activities for 0–5s, clean parks, safe play spaces, and family-friendly facilities. Better public transport, open libraries, affordable leisure options, and improved health services were highlighted, alongside opportunities for social connection and disability support.

Quotes

“I wish everything she will meet in her life would be beautiful and brilliant, if there is any challenges, she will just laugh at it… because life is a journey”.

“Should be able to find out easily [about childcare] (especially the costs) rather than the minefield of information”.

How have the insights been used/shared?

The findings informed the key objectives of Wirral’s Early Years Strategy 2022–2026, ensuring parent priorities shaped service planning.

Online links

To read the full report, visit: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:EU:a9da472d-68c8-4201-b782-19f69a64f29e?fbclid=IwY2xjawOKxKdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETB3M1E1UGdWazM3a3N6VkQzc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHgLS1xxqImM9mpVD2OHSQ0W_u3y-z3r0nF4DMkW0uzeU8wJKoh1REh3JF8C8_aem_S1rYFncuHXD5z_4JrkZ_5w

To see the Early Years Strategy 2022–2026, visit: https://wirral.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s50096719/Appendix%201%20Early%20Strategy.pdf