The Prime Minister announced a trial of free parenting classes for all parents of children under the age of five. The classes will be available in three trial areas (Middlesbrough, High Peak in Derbyshire and Camden in London).

Parents will be able to use vouchers, available from Boots stores, children's centres, health visitors and professionals who have contact with families, to pay for the classes.

The NCT, Coram, Save the Children, and the Fatherhood Institute are among those who are delivering the classes.

Up to £5 million has been made available for the trial between March 2012 and March 2014. This includes funding for redemption of parenting class vouchers and an independent evaluation.

In addition, Relate, The Tavistock Centre for Couple Relationships and the Fatherhood Institute, will deliver relationship support sessions for first time parents to support them with the transition to parenthood. This service will be available from this summer in York and Leeds, North Essex, Hackney and City of London and Islington and Westminster.

For further information and advice on this issue, and other family law issues, please contact us for a free initial consultation on 01992 306 616 or 0207 956 2740 or email us.