Parents as Partners in Learning

Points to consider

General points for schools

Does the school have a range of approaches for communicating with parents and encouraging parents to communicate with the school?
Does the school have a clear vision of what it is trying to achieve through its home-school partnerships and why?
Do the arrangements for sharing information ensure that parents and schools have all the information they want, at the right time, in the right way and with the right kind of detail? How do you know?
Does the school view its work with parents and families as both a key feature of its current work and a major element in its efforts to improve?
Does the school provide parents with a range of opportunities to have a genuine say in, and be an active part of, its life and work?
Is the school sensitive towards, and supportive of, the varying backgrounds, needs and circumstances of all pupils and their parents?

Has the school asked parents what they feel it is important to know about their children and the school?
Has the use of letters and newsletters been evaluated? Do parents find them useful? How do you know?
Is 'parent-friendly' language used in all written communication? Is it attractive, eye-catching, concise and easy to read? Does it encourage parents and thank them for their help? Is the advice of parents sought when producing literature for parents?
Does the school send regular newsletters containing information about school events, reminders for parents, suggestions on how they can support their child, examples of pupils' work and achievements? Do parents read them? How do you know?
Has the school considered using alternatives to written communication? For example, audio and visual (video) reports?
How useful might email and texting be in communicating with parents?
Have information-sharing events, eg curriculum evenings, been evaluated? Do parents find them helpful? How do you know?
Can parents attend school assembly or visit the classroom?

Does the school let parents know what information teachers find it useful to know about the children?
Have parents been consulted on how they can best share information with the school?
Do parents feel that what they have to say is valued and seen as important by the school?
Is it clear to parents when and how they can contact the school and whom they should be in touch with?
If parents come to the school is there somewhere welcoming for them to wait and be at ease while waiting to be seen? Is there somewhere suitable for private discussion?
Are parents involved in organising events for parents at the school - before, during and after? Is their advice sought on suitable content for the event and its relevance?
Have parents been involved in decision making? For example, using a focus group to discuss and agree school policies such as homework or discipline.
When the school makes changes in the light of consultation with parents (either for an individual child or for some wider school issue) are the parents informed? Do they know their contribution has made a difference?

'Making the difference' is produced by: