Updates to our parenting programme: What’s new in Version 4
At Kids Matter, we are always learning from and listening to facilitators, parents and carers, and families – those who deliver and experience our programme material. That’s why we’re pleased to introduce Version 4 of Kids Matter in the Community – a refreshed and refined version shaped by the voices of those who use it most. While the foundation remains the same, this new edition brings thoughtful updates, especially around neurodiversity, cultural inclusion and clarity in parenting style, alongside improvements in design and formatting to make the material even more accessible and user-friendly.
What hasn’t changed and why that’s important
First, it’s important to note that the core theories behind Kids Matter remain unchanged. The key foundations of Social Learning Theory and Parenting Styles Theory continue to anchor the programme. Likewise, we remain committed to reaching families facing disadvantages, specifically those with children aged 1 to 10 years, who are experiencing low income and low support.
Thoughtful integration of neurodiversity
One of the most significant improvements in Version 4 is the more intentional inclusion of neurodiversity. Rather than highlighting it as something separate, neurodiversity has been woven naturally and positively into all sessions of the programme. This means facilitators and parents alike can talk more openly about their children’s unique needs – whether those relate to sensory processing, learning styles, play or ways of interacting with others.
For example, in Session 1, under the topic of “children’s basic needs”, we’ve added gentle prompts like:
“Some children are more sensitive to sensory things like touch, smells, tastes, sounds and visual stimulation… How might our child’s sensory needs make life more challenging for them? What changes can we make to support their sensory needs?”
This subtle but poignant inclusion encourages parents to reflect on their own child’s experience – whether neurotypical or neurodivergent – and feel safe sharing what works for their family.
Similarly, we’ve introduced examples around different play styles – from repetitive and solo play to collaborative and creative approaches. These changes acknowledge the breadth of how children learn and connect, offering validation to parents who may have previously felt their child didn’t fit the mould.
For families where neurodivergence is part of everyday life, these updates make space for honest conversations and peer learning, without stigma or assumption.
A clearer approach to parenting styles
Another key update in our programme is how we talk about “parenting styles”, which are consistent ways in which parents interact with, discipline and nurture their children. In response to feedback from parents and facilitators, we’ve moved away from the typical four-quadrant grid – warm and firm (authoritative), cold and firm (authoritarian), warm and lenient (permissive), cold and lenient (neglectful) – which parents sometimes found difficult to remember and unsure which style to aim for.
To make things clearer, we now focus on a single, easy-to-understand concept: “Warm with clear boundaries.” This phrase captures the core qualities of the most effective parenting style – one that combines emotional warmth with consistent expectations.
We’ve also updated the language throughout. For example, instead of using terms like “firm” or “lenient,” we now refer to “clear boundaries” and “unclear boundaries.” These changes make the content feel more approachable and reduce the chance of parents feeling judged or alienated by overly formal or value-laden terms.
More interactive, more accessible and culturally sensitive
Version 4 also introduces:
- New and varied activities to better engage different learning styles.
- Simplified language to support families with diverse literacy levels and those with English as an additional language.
- A more neutral tone to avoid regional biases and be inclusive of families across the UK.
- A visually clearer booklet, with updated font sizes, improved layout and illustrations that reflect broader family experiences.
- Integrated role-play cards now within the booklet itself, making it easier to facilitate sessions without losing materials.
- Updated guidance around smacking, to reflect legal variations across the UK.
Cultural sensitivity has also been gently enhanced. For example, in Session 2, we now ask:
“How would you describe the culture around parenting in your family?” and “Who is parenting with your own parents or carers in your home?”
These small additions open room for deeper reflection on intergenerational practices and different cultural norms – all of which enrich the discussion and support meaningful change.
Looking ahead
We hope that these updates make our programme even more inclusive and empowering, and more effective for every family that walks through the door because when our material feels relevant and respectful we’re all better equipped to give children the best start in life.
If you’re already using Version 4, we’d love to hear how it’s going. And if you ‘d like to find out more about what we do, please do get in touch at info@kidsmatter.org.uk.