A SOUTH Pembrokeshire primary school organised a special graduation ceremony last week. For graduating with flying colours at Pembroke Dock Community Primary School were participants in a unique community education programme. The celebration, held on July 8, marked the end of a successful eightweek Families and Schools Together (FAST) programme with Save the Children. Twenty three local families graduated in the UN endorsed project that works to promote and develop positive relations between schools, families and local communities. The eight-week programme, which encourages parents and children to perform everyday tasks together, was open to families with children aged three to five and sponsored by Morrisons. And, as well as taking part in group activities, families were also introduced to other families in their community. Michele Thomas, Head teacher at Pembroke Dock Community Primary School, said that the programme had been a fantastic opportunity for staff, children and parents. “There are obvious benefits which include an improved self-esteem for pupils, a stronger community spirit and a general sense of achievement for all,” she said. “The impact of the programme for our families has been enormous and we are immensely proud of what they have achieved. “The pupils’ confidence has improved greatly and new friendships have developed with parents and community partners. “Our graduation ceremony was a chance to celebrate and congratulate everyone involved on their hard work and achievements.” At Tuesday’s graduation each family involved was awarded a certificate by Head teacher Michele Thomas and also presented with a free pass to the Blue Lagoon at Bluestone by Debbie Rainbow, Director of Human Resources and Mike Slack, Blue Lagoon Manager. Councillor Sue Perkins, Cabinet Member for Education said the success of the project could be measured not only†on the beaming faces of the FAST Family members as they received their awards, but also on the faces of the friends and family members who had come to support them. “We’re delighted at the level of commitment and coordination shown by everyone involved,” she said. James White, Head of Performance and Community for Children and Schools at PCC said national and international evidence showed that improving parents’ involvement in their children’s learning had huge benefits for children and their schools. “I congratulate the FAST families and look forward to working with other schools on the project over the coming year,” he said. Supported by the charity Save the Children, 31 schools in Wales have benefitted from the Families and Schools Together (FAST) initiative since 2011 with more local schools due to deliver the project this autumn. Mary Powell-Chandler, Head of Save the Children in Wales said the programme had made a huge difference to the families that took part. “It brings together the key elements in determining a child’s success; their school, their family, and the community. FAST ensures that children are given the support they need to thrive.” For further information about the Families and Schools Together project www.savethechildren.org.uk/fast Save the Children Cymru on 07827 663629 or l.eckley@savethechildren. org.uk