Views on sharing information
Parents and what they say
For a variety of reasons many parents do find it really difficult to keep in constant touch with their child's school. They may lack time through pressures of work and family, lack confidence or have language and cultural differences. Despite this, parents are concerned when they feel they have not been given the information they need. Parents need to be able to both receive information from and pass information to the school in a range of ways convenient to their circumstances.
Comments from parents
It is important to know on a regular basis how things are going – not just once a year. You don't want to hear something is wrong when you think everything has being going fine.
Primary parent
Sometimes it's too late. What if the teacher says there's a major problem here, and they're about to do their Highers in two weeks' time?
Secondary parent
If you develop a good parent and staff relationship it makes for an easier life. If problems arise you don't have to worry about approaching the school.
Primary parent
Schools, teachers and what they say
In the past, schools often provided limited opportunities for informal contact. Formal parent-teacher evenings, especially in secondary schools, have been the main means of face-to-face contact. Written communications have focused on letters and reports. Teachers have found that it is not always easy to provide the kind of information parents want or understand.
Many schools are now developing more appropriate, friendlier and more informal forms of communication that enable parents and schools to genuinely share information and be responsive to what each wants and expects.
Comments from teachers
Parents say they don't get enough information about what their children are doing in school but when we prepare curriculum booklets, it's not what they want. When we hold curriculum evenings they don't turn up. They'll come when their child is doing something. We need to find better ways of sharing this information.
Primary headteacher
Parents just appreciate being kept in touch, they know that if they have a concern they can contact the school and there is someone to speak to.
Secondary teacher
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