The Preparation for Preschool Programme (PFP), developed by Hill Street Family Resource Centre in 2012, supports both children and parents as they transition into preschool. The programme fosters children’s independence, imagination, language and communication skills while also supporting parents in their own learning and confidence.

A Development Worker facilitates sessions with parents to assess their needs and develop activities in response. Parents can access family support, information on local services, and opportunities for adult and community education including global citizenship, voter education and workshops.

During the first term, parents remain with their child to help them settle and feel secure. As confidence grows, parents attend a parents’ group within the building while their child participates in PFP sessions. This gradual approach supports successful separation and strengthens the parent child bond.

The programme is unique in that it supports the care and education of both caregiver and child in a relaxed and welcoming environment. As one parent reflected, “I came because I thought it would be good for my child, but I realised it is also good for me.”