Mums and dads joined their children for a special graduation ceremony.

Barking and Dagenham Post: The other group who graduated from the FAST programThe other group who graduated from the FAST program (Image: Archant)

The 19 families involved in the Families and School Together (FAST) programme at Barking’s Northbury Primary School celebrated finishing the nine-week project with tea, cake and mortar boards on Thursday.

The two groups have met weekly to share a meal together and carry out a range of activities, with the aim being to support their children’s education by strengthening relationships within families, between families and with the school.

FAST has also helped the youngsters become more independent by encouraging them to do more for themselves.

Hina Warraich, who co-ordinated the inaugural programme at the Northbury Close school, said it had been very rewarding for everyone involved.

“I have even had children coming up to thank me which is so sweet,” she said.

The families involved are planning to continue to meet regularly.