New CBeebies show aims to educate children and parents

A new CBeebies series will aim not just to teach babies but also educate families on “positive parenting”.

Forthcoming BBC offering The Baby Club plans to help youngsters and their parents learn, and offer support to families without access to play groups and nurseries.

Child psychologists and development specialists have been consulted to ensure the show offers the best possible tips on parenting, with professors advising during the production process.

Academics involved with the show have said that television has the power to teach, and this will be harnessed in the programme.

Advising Professor Jackie Marsh said: “The Baby Club is an excellent programme that will support learning for both children and parents. Its design principles map well on to what we know from research about how babies and toddlers, and adults, learn from television.

“It offers a valuable model of interactive and positive parenting, and families will have fun – and learn new skills – when watching it together.”

Giovanna Fletcher and Nigel Clarke have been announced as presenters on the new show, which aims to advise parents on best practice while also teaching children through play and song.

Fletcher said: “Presenting The Baby Club has been an absolute pleasure and I can’t wait to share it with you all.

“As a mother of three, the importance of play-time and making special memories with babies and toddlers during those early stages is incredibly important to me.”

Clarke said: “The Baby Club was an absolute gem to make and be a part of. It’s not often you find a programme that just warms your heart but this is definitely one.”

The Baby Club is aimed at parents with children under 14 months old, particularly stay-at-home mothers and fathers, and parents who may not have to access support from baby groups, or feel they struggle to spend time with their young babies.