A TOTAL of 38 local parents who support their children's learning at home have been presented with certificates in recognition of their efforts.

The parents volunteered to take part in the national Share scheme which was offered to primary schools across the borough. Building on the experiences of schools and previous project work with parents, Share aims to encourage mums and dads to work alongside their children.

Councillor Andy Bowden, St Helens Council's Executive Member for Education and Lifelong Learning handed out the certificates. He said: "Good quality parental involvement is one of the most positive and worthwhile influences in improving children's educational attainments. Parents are invited to use materials produced and provided by Share to support their children's learning. They work with children at home using the Share books which are structured around complementing the classroom teaching of English and maths".

Central to the project is the introduction of an accreditation system developed through the Open College network. Parents can, if they wish, be accredited for the work they put into their child's learning.