Pam Holtom, who introduced the Parents as First Teachers (PAFT) programme into the UK, has received an honorary master’s degree from Bucks New University, High Wycombe, in recognition of her involvement in delivering the scheme. PAFT began as a pilot project in the US in 1981. It includes home visits and group meetings for parents with children under five. Ms Holtom, former headteacher of the then King’s Wood First School, High Wycombe, went to the US to be trained in the programme and then introduced it at her school 20 years ago before extending it nationally. There are now 45 PAFT programmes in the UK.