When things go well

What it looks like when things go well

• Parents feel that they are welcome in the school.
• There are a lot of opportunities for parents to get involved in different activities and there is evidence that they do get involved.
• The school understands the needs of all parents and develops ways of working which are supportive and inclusive.
• People are asked about what is important to them, and what they would like to see happening.
• Pupils are contributing their ideas about what is important to them and how they want parents and others to be involved and these ideas are used to increase the involvement of parents.
• Parents are motivated to continue their own learning.
• Everyone recognises that parents have other commitments and responsibilities in their lives.
• Parents are able to take part when and how they can.  It is easy to step back and then pick things up later if circumstances change.
• Parents have the confidence and skills to take part and the skills that parents have are used appropriately within the school.
• Teachers engage with parents in a variety of ways on a day-to-day basis in order to build a positive relationship.
• The process recognises the diversity among the parents at that school and is inclusive.  For example, there is information about the ways parents can take part in the life of the school in different formats and languages.  Interpreters and signers are provided when necessary to ensure that all parents have access to important information.
• The school recognises the reluctance of some parents resulting from their own bad experiences at school and provides positive ways for parents to be involved in their own child's school at a level which they are comfortable with.
• Support and development opportunities are offered to everyone who is taking on a new role such as membership of the parent council or volunteering to help teachers with school activities.
• The school development plan clearly indicates the different ways in which parents can be involved in the school and their children's learning.