We must not alienate teenage parents
Anne Longfield
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Although teenage pregnancy rates in Britain are falling in many areas, the country's overall rate remains the highest in Western Europe.
Teenage pregnancy over here is twice as high as in Germany, treble the rate of France and six times as high as the Netherlands. Many examples of positive work are being carried out to reduce teenage pregnancy rates. However, these figures also serve to demonstrate the high number of pregnant teenagers who are in need of positive support to guide them through what can be an overwhelming and isolating experience.
While pregnant teenagers come from a variety of social backgrounds, it is vulnerable young women who experience social exclusion through factors such as poverty that not only face a higher risk of becoming pregnant but also are less likely to receive good care. The Department for Children, Schools and Families prioritises the support of teenage parents in its Every Child Matters strategy and provides guidance for local authorities and primary care trusts on the services required to support their needs.
Nationwide Community Learning Partnership has developed the Young Mums To Be award in consultation with pregnant teenagers. This offers practical parenting support and development programmes in confidence and self-esteem, while bringing pregnant teenagers and their partners together to support and learn from each other. The award is a Level 1 qualification approved by Unicef UK and has been undertaken by more than 3,000 learners keen to turn the practical learning experience into a qualification that, of itself, promotes employability.
The award is now being delivered through more than 40 providers nationwide, including Sure Start, Connexions and the Learning and Skills Council.
At a local level, North Tyneside Council operates a school that specifically supports pregnant teenagers and young mums. It provides a supportive environment where students can flourish as learners, individuals and parents. Working parallel to mainstream schools it provides on-site childcare for students' children and was recently rated "outstanding" by Ofsted. A proportion of students comparable to the national average leave with at least five A to C grade GCSEs, and in 2006 more than half went on to further education.
We must continue to ensure that efforts to reduce teenage pregnancy rates do not further alienate young mums- and dads-to-be. Pregnant teenagers and their partners must feel emotionally and socially supported during this stressful time, as well as encouraged to re-enter mainstream education and training.