Surestart Children's Centres aim to improve outcomes for children with the services that they provide. Some of these outcomes are achieved by working with the parents rather than the child - such as parenting skills courses.

Parenting skills courses are an ideal example of action for the child, through the parent. They take place in the vast majority of centres around the country, often in a weekly course format. Whilst all are welcome, there is an emphasis on making sure that the most vulnerable parents, such as the young, or single parents get the support that they need to develop positive parenting skills.

Often it can be those people who will benefit most from your services are the hardest to reach and engage. Getting regular commitment to be in a particular place at a particular time for a course can be difficult. Good intentions can often fall by the wayside with bad habits. You have to appreciate that often you are dealing with parents that didn't have a great experience of education, and who are slightly suspicious of authority, no matter how nicely dressed up.

1. Market the course effectively in your community to make sure all available places are taken. Consider referrals from other professionals, posters, leaflets, and text messages.

2. Deliver great information at the first session. Make sure that your information is punchy, informative and as entertaining as possible. The atmosphere must be as welcoming and friendly as possible.

3. Give parents a reason to come back - Point out vital information that you are going to be explaining at the next session or offer to answers questions from the current session next time.

4. Plan sessions for times when parents are likely to be able to get to you. Consider their other children, transport links (often public transport) and other commitments such as signing-on. You will of course never please everybody but planning ahead can give your course the best chance of remaining full and delivering it's outcomes.

5. IMPORTANT - Remind parents ahead of each session. Phone calls are okay but remember that a voicemail left on a pay as you go phone with no credit can often not be collected. A text message is usually quicker and cheaper to send, and has no costs for the parent to receive. Some systems let you create a message that is then sent later at a date and time you choose such as the night before or the morning of the session. Centres have tried this tip already and achieved good increases in retention.

Every situation is different but often it's the little things that make the difference between a parent staying the course and drifting off half way through. Having invested in the infrastructure it's essential that you maximise the return on it with simple, incredibly effective steps that deliver real outcomes.

Robert Warner specialises in improving communiations with and for parents. For FREE expert guidance on communication for children's centres => http://www.txtround.co.uk/ChildrensCentres/tabid/85/Default.aspx