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Webchats, interviews, videos

ParentsCentre aims to deliver information, support and advice to parents and carers through a variety of different mediums. This section contains webchats (live, online Q&A sessions in which our users ask the questions), interviews and videos featuring a diverse range of experts across the parenting spectrum.

We include transcribed versions and endeavour to provide film streamings in different speeds and formats to enable as many people as possible to access them. In addition to those already in the section, we have many more planned for the future - information will appear on the ParentsCentre site in advance to let users know of any upcoming events.

Parents' views

Sometimes speaking to parents and carers who have experienced the same issues and problems as you can be a great way to get valuable advice and information. Read, respond or start a new discussion in the 'Family matters - being a parent or carer' Opens in this window  section of the ParentsCentre forum. You may also be interested in paying a visit to the 'Worried about...' Opens in this window, 'Childcare' Opens in this window, 'Education and learning' Opens in this window, 'Behaviour and discipline' Opens in this window, 'Having a baby' Opens in this window and 'Parental rights and responsibilities' Opens in this window  sections.

Experts' views

Benefit from the advice and tips given by our experts in the 'Ask an expert' section of the ParentsCentre forum.

'In work, better off' Department for Work and Pensions Q&A
  • on Monday 15 October Caroline Flint, Minister of State for Employment and Welfare Reform, took part in an online Q&A session about helping single parents find work.
‘Struggling with the pressures of modern parenting?’ webchat
  • on 14 May 2007, Jan Fry from UK charity Parentline Plus participated in a Question and Answer session about important issues facing parents today
Diversity in children's literature video
  • ParentsCentre is showing a short film showcasing what the culturally diverse youth of Britain today really like to read
'GCSEs and A Levels' webchat
  • on Friday 18 August and Friday 25 August, DfES Director of 14 to 19 Reform Jon Coles will be answering your questions on GCSEs and A Levels in a live webchat
‘Benefits of sports and activities for children, schools and communities’ webcast
  • ParentsCentre is showing an interview with Sebastian Coe, chairman of the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games, on the subject of the benefits of sport
‘Helping children to communicate’ webcast
  • ParentsCentre is now showing an interview with Mary Hartshome, Head of Professional Standards at UK Charity I CAN, on the subject of children's communication skills
‘Family finances’ webcast
  • ParentsCentre is now showing the video of an interview with financial adviser Lawrence Gold on the subject of family finances
'Gaming' webcast
  • ParentsCentre is showing an interview with Michael Rawlinson from the Entertainment & Leisure Software Publishers Association (ELSPA) on the subject of console, mobile and computer gaming
'Time to talk' webchat
  • on 7 February 2005, Jan Fry from Parentline Plus participated in a live online Question & Answer session here on ParentsCentre on the subject of sex and relationship education for pre-teens and teens
'Support for children with disabilities' webcast
  • ParentsCentre is now showing an interview with Mark Robertson, National Advice & Information Manager at Contact a Family
'Internet safety' webchat
  • on 12 December 2005, Chair of the UK's Children's Charities' Coalition John Carr participated in an online Question & Answer session on internet safety
'Positive parenting' webcast
  • ParentsCentre is now showing an interview with Parenting Advisor for the NSPCC Eileen Hayes on anger management
'Bullying at school' webchat
  • on 22 November 2005, Jan Fry from UK charity Parentline Plus participated in an online Question & Answer session on 'Bullying at school'
'Extended schools' webchat
  • on 10 October 2005, Education Secretary Ruth Kelly participated in a live online Question & Answer session on the Guardian website
'New financial support for students' webchat
  • on 5 October 2005, Higher Education Minister Bill Rammell participated in an online Question & Answer session about a new financial package designed to help children with university fees
'Your child's behaviour at home' webchat
  • on 28 September 2005, Kim Roberts from UK charity Parentline Plus participated in an online Question & Answer session on the ParentsCentre site
'Child safety: missing persons' webcast
  • Detective Sergeant Nick Hewes from Operation Compass - part of the Territorial Policing Crime Directorate - has participated in a webcast entitled 'Child safety - missing persons' here on ParentsCentre
'Your child's move to secondary school' webchat
  • on 19 July 2005, Senior Regional Adviser for the Secondary National Strategy Frances Bestley participated in an online Question & Answer session
'Vocational courses' webchat
  • on 30 June 2005, Fame Academy's vocal coach discussed the benefits of vocational courses to promote SkillCity 2005
'I can explain!' short film
  • view this Key Stage 3 educational film staring Cold Feet actor James Nesbitt, which demonstrates the importance of getting your children into the habit of explaining things, which will help in their learning
'Getting involved' short film
  • view this award-winning educational film staring Cold Feet actor James Nesbitt. The film is aimed at getting parents more involved in their children's education
Accessibility DVD
  • a new multi-language DVD is available which explains the English secondary school system and the role parents can play in supporting their children