Schools urged to consult more with parents

Called Beyond the School Gate, the report found that around two-thirds of teachers had been subjected to verbal or physical abuse by a parent.

A similar proportion of parents said they had been patronised or sidelined by teachers or a school staff member when discussing their child's education.

Being called for by the two charities is for every school to consult with parents to create a home school agreement and ensure they have a parent support worker in place who is readily accessible to help with families' emotional problems.

Teachers should also ensure that they regularly talk to parents about how they can help with their child's education at home.

Jeremy Todd, Parentline Plus chief executive, said: "It is clear that parental engagement in the form of supporting learning and reinforcing discipline in the home is key to improving outcomes for children."

However, teaching organisations have said that the recommendations need to be backed up with extra funding for training if they are to work.

Christine Blower, National Union of Teachers general secretary, said: "The report does attempt to be balanced but seems to come down on the side of schools and teachers needing to do more without any real acknowledgement that this would require extra resources."

Association of Teachers & Lecturers policy adviser Alison Ryan added: "Although in principle more communication between schools and pupil's families is beneficial, we urge caution about any increase in bureaucracy."