When things go well

What it looks like when things go well

• The school is a welcoming place with space for parents and clear indications that they are welcome and valued, eg a parents' room or welcome posters, possibly developed with parents, in all the languages represented in the school.
• There are opportunities at various times during the day, in the evening and possibly at weekends for parents to meet teachers to discuss their child's progress.
• School events and activities take account of any specific cultural or religious festivals that may affect the involvement of some parents.
• Parents are able to get actively involved at various times in both regular (eg weekly commitments) and infrequent activities.
• The school is aware of any particular difficulties a parent may have in participating in school activities (eg through disability, access or language difficulties) and makes arrangements to provide appropriate support.
• Parents are asked when their child enrols if there is anything that would help them to get involved, eg translation, interpretation, childcare, transport.
• The school development plan provides an opportunity for staff, parents and pupils to have discussions about the different ways parents could be involved in school activities and how these will be developed and supported.
• Childcare and/or transport is arranged (or paid for) for parents' evenings, Parent Forum meetings, Parent Council meetings or other events where some parents might need it.
• There are social events that build relationships between parents, teachers and school staff.
• Parents are asked directly and personally to participate in a particular activity by the headteacher or class teacher.
• Parents are encouraged to get other parents involved  - by bringing a friend.
• No parent is turned away if they volunteer to help and the skills and enthusiasm that parent volunteers bring are matched to the needs of the school.
• There are activities that make it easy for families to take part and develop positive relationships with each other, school staff and other families, eg outings, picnics and cultural events.