Home-school partnerships

Successful home-school partnership working depends on the development of mutual trust and respect between school and parents.  Schools need to use the skills, knowledge and experiences that all parents and all staff bring to the school to support children's learning.

The development of good relationships when things are going well can make it easier for both parents and teachers to approach each other if they are concerned about something.

'I wasn't worried about going to school to complain because I knew I got on well with the headteacher.' A parent

There are many opportunities to contact parents informally:

• Day-to-day contact in the playground or at the school gate
• at breakfast or after-school clubs
• Fundraising events
• Social events - a school ceilidh or disco
• Community activities
• School events - sports day, concerts, etc
• Introductory home visits.

Working in partnership with parents may be new to some staff, who may also need support to make this work effectively.  Education authorities may want to consider what staff development opportunities are available to staff to support them in communicating with parents.  For example, workshops for staff on 'How to get the best out of parent evenings' and 'Making the most of one-to-one meetings with parents' can help develop ideas and skills.