Enhancing parental engagement in learning

The collaborative effort between schools and parents plays a pivotal role in shaping a child’s learning journey. As school business leaders, understanding and facilitating this partnership is integral to fostering a supportive educational environment. Let’s delve into the essence of parent engagement and practical strategies that can be seamlessly integrated into the school’s ethos

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on Education Endowment Foundation

Parents, with an eagerness to contribute to their child’s educational progress, often find themselves grappling with how to effectively support learning. Recognising this challenge is the first step towards creating avenues for meaningful collaboration. The Education Endowment Foundation’s (EEF) guidance emphasises the significance of clear communication with parents and carers.

Practical strategies for parental involvement

Shared book reading

For the early years, promoting shared book reading emerges as a cornerstone of effective parental engagement. Encouraging parents to spend quality time exploring books with their children not only nurtures literacy skills but also establishes a strong foundation for future learning. Home learning activities, such as playful interactions with letters and numbers, have shown correlations with improved outcomes.

Empowering through tips and resources

To augment the impact of home activities, providing parents with practical tips, support, and resources proves invaluable. Simple prompts can lead to longer and more frequent conversations during book reading, enhancing the educational value of these shared moments. Inviting parents and carers into the school setting allows teachers to model effective engagement in books, rhymes, and conversations. This hands-on approach provides caregivers with actionable insights into participating meaningfully in their child’s learning journey.

Three actionable steps

1. Clear communication: Building bridges

Initiate open and clear communication with parents and carers. Understand their needs and preferences for support. Consider flexible delivery methods and schedules to accommodate the diverse needs of parents seeking assistance.

2. Model effective practices

Model shared reading practices directly to parents and carers. This practical demonstration offers a tangible example of how they can actively participate in their child’s literacy development.

3. Continuous improvement

Adopt a proactive stance by regularly monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness of approaches to engage parents and carers. Identify what works well and explore areas for improvement. Flexibility and adaptability are key in this ongoing process.

The collaboration between school and home is a thread that weaves success. As school business leaders, embracing the role of facilitators in this partnership is paramount. By implementing these practical strategies and fostering a culture of open communication, we can collectively contribute to the holistic development of every child in our care.