Every parent knows the anxiety that can accompany a child's first day at school. There can be tears and tantrums, and that's just from the parents! St Monica's Primary School in Coatbridge understands that families need extra support during this transition period, and runs a popular support programme to set children's and parents' minds at ease.
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'We're looking at the hopes and fears of the parents and how they feel about their child coming along to school,' says Bernadette Newton, a parent support worker. 'In the past, what we've found is that families feel like they've been on that journey with their child.'
Starting the journey
For parents of children at St Monica's, that journey starts with relaxed afternoon and evening sessions with parent support workers, at which they take part in a range of activities with their children. These sessions are followed by an open evening, where children and parents enjoy a tour of the school and a presentation by P1 pupils on what they most enjoy about school life.
As well as taking part in a range of activities on their visit to the school, parents have the opportunity to meet the other key staff who will support their child, such as the early years worker, learning support teacher and nurse. When the big first day arrives, parents are invited to stay at the school for a cup of coffee and a chat with other parents and teachers. The new arrivals, meanwhile, are supported by a buddy in P7, who will look after them while they find their feet at school.
'Since she came into P1 I've felt really involved in my daughter's education because of this programme,' says one mother. 'You can see what's happening in the school and it’s allowed me to feel more secure about what she’s learning and do that at home with her as well.'
Of course, the parents' involvement in school life does not stop after day one. A few weeks into the new term, they are invited to take part in literacy and maths workshops. These not only enable teachers to demonstrate the learning and teaching techniques of Curriculum for Excellence, but also support parents in continuing the learning at home.
Active learning
The emphasis is on active learning, which involves learning through play and experience, and on having fun. In fact, parents were surprised by how much their children learned in these more informal environments. 'I have found the classes helped to make going to school much more relaxed,' said one parent, while another said, 'It showed me how the children learn through fun.'
Getting the parents involved in the school day is also very helpful for the teachers, who value a fresh perspective in the classroom. 'They're like a breath of fresh air,' says Bernadette. 'They come into the classroom with their skills, their ideas, their enthusiasm, and they bring it to the learning.'
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