A GROUP of parents have been learning how to encourage and improve their children's numeracy skills.

The family numeracy course in Darlington is one of many courses available to parents through the council's libraries and community learning service.

A group of parents from Bishopton and Redmarshall School have been taking part in the course every Tuesday morning.

The parents enjoy numeracy-based activities, which they can then take home and share with their children. Many of the activities link into the themes of the "numeracy hour" that children enjoy at school every day.

The scheme involves the school, libraries and community learning and the school effectiveness team working together to provide support to families who want to encourage their children to learn.

Family learning is free and available to all adults who want to support a child's progress.

The courses include language development, behaviour, literacy skills, story sacks, family safety, healthy eating, creative crafts and computing.

Many parents who have been involved in the family learning activities go on to work towards a recognised qualification themselves as well as helping their child.

Other parents involved in groups such as Brownies and Scouts are planning to use some of the activities with other children, ensuring their new-found knowledge is shared with even more people in the wider community.

For details about family learning, call (01325) 388074.