How can future parents best be prepared for parenting? How can new parents be helped to achieve optimum parenting in their particular circumstances? This book explores the thinking behind the Governments Sure Start scheme which aims to provide education for parents in at risk social groups. This timely book aims to: Raise the awareness of the challenges parents face, to all those involved with new parents in a professional capacity , Assist readers in acquiring educational skills, which can be used to help parents achieve optimum parenting., Help readers increase their knowledge of the range of initiatives currently focused on the development of parenting skills.