Working together

What helps parents, teachers and the education authority work together?

People can work together most easily when three factors are present.

Issues: People are working together on issues which they think are important.

Ways of working: The way they work together respects and values each person's contribution.  It is realistic in terms of the time and effort it takes. The process welcomes and encourages people who have less experience or confidence.

Getting results: Working together gets results. People can see their effort has been worthwhile and that they have been listened to.

'When I started coming to the parents' meetings I was scared to speak. Now I'm not, and I'd like to be able to speak in public like the others.'  A parent

'A big open message from the headteacher tells you that the school really wants parents involved.'  A parent