Vouchers for free parenting classes will be availble to all parents of children aged five in three trial areas; while relationship support for first-time parents will be offered in four localities.
All mothers and fathers in the three voucher trial areas will be entitled to a coupon worth £100 covering the cost of a course of parenting classes, available from Boots stores, children’s centres and health visitors.
Up to £5m has been made available for the vouchers trial between March 2012 and March 2014. This includes funding for redemption of parenting class vouchers and an independent evaluation.
David Cameron also annouced the launch of a new digital service, that will allow parents to sign up for emails and texts with information on pregnancy and early child development.
The NHS Information Service for Parents will cover issues related to staying healthy in pregnancy, preparing for birth and looking after babies.
Those signing up to the service will receive NHS-approved advice, including links to videos showing midwives demonstrating practical advice such as bathing babies.
Cameron said: "Parents are nation-builders. It's through love and sheer hard work that we raise the next generation with the right values. That’s why this government is doing everything possible to support parents.
"We’re focussed on making life easier for parents day-to-day, from extending childcare to increasing the number of health visitors. The parenting classes and films we’re launching this week are an important part of that, providing clear, professionally-led advice on everything from teething to tantrums."
The charity Coram will be involved in delivering parenting classes in the trial areas. Mary Rose Brady, head of Coram’s Parents’ Centre, said: "Parents tell us, no one gives you a manual when you have kids- so here’s our manual.
"Each session that Coram is delivering is based on what years of evidence show will best support children in their early development. Parents are the experts in their own children, but everyone can benefit from understanding the key ingredients."
Relate, The Tavistock Centre for Couple Relationships and the Fatherhood Institute will deliver relationship support sessions for first-time parents from this summer.
The trial starting in July will offer subsidised relationship support sessions for all expectant mothers and fathers and those with children up to the age of two in York and Leeds, north Essex, Hackney and City of London, Islington and Westminster.
Up to £1m has been made available for the trial between April 2012 and March 2014. Parents will have the choice of face to face and online support.
