Fathers 'need to help children'

Spending time reading with children can help their development

Fathers are to become more involved in their children's schooling in an effort to improve exam results and attendance.

They will take part in activities including cookery, reading, computing and football, the National Family and Parenting Institute said.

Research shows fathers' involvement raises pupils' enthusiasm for school.

But Steve Davies, head teacher of Coopers Lane Primary, in Lewisham, south London, said some were "really scared" of coming into school.

'Kids feel great'

Recent guidance from the Department for Education and Skills urged schools to involve fathers and father figures in the education of children.

NFPI chief executive Mary MacLeod, said: "We know just how great kids feel when their dads are proud of them and show an interest in what they are doing.

"This report helps schools to do their bit in making this happen by welcoming fathers into schools and making it easier for them to get involved than we have in the past."

Fathers' involvement in children's learning is associated with better exam results, improved school attendance, reduced criminality and better mental health, according to the DfES guidelines.

HAVE YOUR SAY If children see their fathers placing value on education, they will value it themselves L Jones, Manchester Send us your comments

At Coopers Lane school, monthly fathers' meetings are held in a pub.

More than 30 have now agreed to targets, such as reading with their children and helping with their homework.

Mr Davies said: "Fathers are really scared of coming in to school. They see it as a mother's job, especially at primary age.

"They are actually frightened of being an active partner in their own children's education. They think that is what teachers are there for.

"This is a way to explore with them the contribution they can make through signing homework sheets, checking reading journals as well as going into the school.

A new government Fatherhood Quality Mark is also being launched at the Fathers Direct conference in central London.

The NFPI report is called Fathers' Involvement in their Children's Education.