Fathers Plus – Charlotte Dack Update on Father’s Plus 2011 and current partnership work with museums.

2. Children North East Established 1891 Fathers Plus Service Established 1997 Provides training and specialist support to organisations Influences key local and national policies. Works directly with fathers and family men

7. It’s what we needed; some quality time, just me and him – I don’t mean the mothers in the way – it’s been great for me and it has been for the littl’un as well. It shows that I want to be with him, that I care and that when things are fun and exciting that I’m there to share it with him... It’s just for the father and child to bond properly”. “ It has given me different ways of looking at things… I wouldn’t say I was a bad dad, but I have not taken as much notice as I have this last year… this has given me an extra boost. [It’s] spending quality time with them - normally I don’t have that quality time”.

11. Who we engaged in Sunderland Of these biological fathers almost 50% were non resident. The programme targets dads who don’t live in the family home by setting the child the task of taking the invitation direct to their dads. The is usually the first contact they have with the school

12. I loved spending time with my dad and eating lunch together and I love him so much and that’s it! I love my dad VERY MUCH!” I was excited... I thought my dad wasn’t coming but he did. I want him to come every day!” “We learnt more about the Romans, more than we learnt in lessons” “ It was a great experience because we usually just have Mams coming in” I think it was ‘classic!”

13. News of Family Man travels to Westminster Andy Burnham MP Shadow Secretary of State for Education Grange Park Primary in Sunderland Courtesy of Northern Echo 2011 “ Things like this, getting dads into schools does make a real difference to the kids. It gets dads more involved in their children’s education and learning, and I think it’s a very positive thing.”