The report examines evidence on the effectiveness of the 'Work Works' employment initiatives for lone parents and reports on the success of Discovery Weeks - week long courses designed to offer lone parents an intensive, developmental period during which they have the opportunity to explore alternative lifestyles, aptitudes, interests and career paths.

The In Work Emergency Fund is evaluated - a fund to help parents meet the costs of emergencies during the first 60 days in employment and overcome barriers to work. The research assesses access provision to NVQ Level 3 in Childcare and one other subject for lone parents and it reports the findings from an interim evaluation of the Extended Schools Childcare Pilot.  Feedback from key Work Works stakeholders is presented and lone parent employment rates are examined.  The lessons learned from the initiatives are summarised.

The aim of the evaluation was to provide evidence on the effectiveness of the Work Works initiatives, and to act as a basis for discussion of policy recommendations emerging from Work Works.

The research was carried out with face-to-face interviews with lone parents and key Work Works stakeholders such as Discovery Week providers and Jobcentre Plus staff. There was also a questionnaire survey of the National Development Co-ordinators Group and analysis of administrative data and management information.

Joint working between key stakeholders such as Jobcentre Plus, employers and local authorities is important in helping lone parents enter or move towards work. Discovery Weeks were popular with lone parents and achieved good outcomes. NVQ Level 3 training which was accessible and well designed, helped lone parents find employment. Although the provision of affordable, quality, accessible childcare is important to help lone parents enter work, it must be matched by other activities to overcome the other barriers which prevent lone parents moving into work. Feedback from key stakeholders has underlined that the principles of Work Works are easily transferable to other Jobcentre Plus customer groups.

Department for Work and Pensions
Phone: +44 20 7712 2171
enquiries@dwp.gsi.gov.uk

01/10/2006

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Department for Work and Pensions

research

Urban Policy > Economy knowledge & employment > Urban economy

Employment