Points to consider

Role of schools and teachers

Many schools have in place effective ways of communicating with parents and involving them in their children's learning and in school life. This website covers many aspects of parental involvement and provides examples of good practice from schools under various themes. Here are some questions to consider.

Making parents feel important and welcome

Do parents feel welcome and comfortable in the school? How do you know?
Are welcome signs in an appropriate range of languages and are different areas of the school clearly signposted and easy to find?
Is there an area where parents can wait and meet with each other?
Is there an area where private discussion can take place?
Do parents feel that what they say is valued and seen as important?
Is the school sensitive towards and supportive of the varying backgrounds, needs and circumstances of all pupils and their parents?

Sharing information

Does the school have a range of ways for communicating with parents and encouraging parents to communicate with the school?
Has the school asked parents what they feel it is important to know about their children and the school?
Do parents find letters and newsletters from the school useful? How do you know?
Is it clear to parents when and how they can contact the school and whom they should be in touch with?
Can parents contribute to discussions about school policy?
Do parents get told good news about their child on a regular basis?

Other points on what schools can do to communicate effectively with parents and some points to consider can be found in the sharing information package.

Putting things right

Difficult situations can arise when parents have concerns about their children. Sometimes there can be misunderstandings between the home and the school.

Do parents know whom to contact if they have a concern? Are they encouraged to bring their concerns to the school's attention as soon as possible?
Does the school have a clear complaints system for parents and are all staff and parents aware of it?
Does the school have guidance for teachers on what to do if situations arise that they feel they cannot handle?
Are there staff who can support parents and children in difficult situations?

Involving parents in their children's learning through homework

Does the school have a homework policy which has been based on discussions between teachers, parents and pupils?
Does the policy explain clearly what the school expects parents to do to support homework?
Do parents know whom to contact if they want advice on homework?

Other points to consider can be found in the homework package.

Involving parents in out-of-school learning

Does the school inform parents of the full range of out-of-school learning clubs which are on offer?
Are parents involved in out-of-school learning working groups and planning committees along with other partner organisations?
Are events arranged where parents can take part in learning along with their children?
Are materials available for parents to use at home with their children, eg story sacks, science boxes, or language and maths support materials?
Does the school provide parents with suggestions on how ordinary everyday events can be turned into learning opportunities?

Other points on what schools can do and points to consider can be found in the out-of-school learning package.

Involving parents in school life

Is there a member of staff whose remit includes working with parents on behalf of the school?
Is there a clear invitation to parents to become involved as helpers or in other ways?
Can parents be helped to appreciate the knowledge and skills they can share with the school?
Can the school involve parents in short-term, one-off events or consultations to include those who cannot make long-term commitments?

Other points on what parents can do and points to consider can be found in the parents getting involved in school package.

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