We received the following feedback from people that attended the event we took part in on 25th September 2014 (see past events), which was an opportunity for staff and volunteer from partner agencies to find out more about local services that support black and minority ethnic (BME) families:

1.WHAT DO YOU DO THAT WORKS WELL?

• Use of ‘easy read’ format (designed to support people with learning disabilities) to send letters to parents.  Encourages clear language and use of symbols.
• Use signalong in nursery.
• Working with multiple agencies to build wider picture of the family and what issues may effect children learning.
• One to One visits with ITS Interpreters (weaning, 27^th month checks etc.).
• Sharing stories in many languages in a library setting. (@ 2)
• Partnership working.
• Group work to empower parents.
• Responsive and flexible service.

2.WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES OF THIS WORK?

• Letting everyone know about all the events and activities available.
• Resources that we can pass onto families in different languages.
• Engaging statutory agencies in recognising barriers BME families experience and accessing support.
• Over-simplifying could risk patronising people or miss the point.
• Comforting new children who do not have any English.
• Always having to do it with minimal resources
• Containing the distress of families (who are nonetheless resilient).

3.WHAT INSPIRED YOU TODAY?

• Positivity about bilingualism – seeing it as an asset.
• The amount of services available for multilingual families.
• Confirmation that bilingualism is a positive skill.
• Encourage staff to educate themselves – the information is there.
• Have staff done Racism Awareness Training?
• I am excited about organising library booking/sing-song session at our nursery.