Policy into practice Parental involvement

Developments over recent years to provide extended services and involve parents more fully are starting to have an effect. Research shows that when parents are involved with their child's education, children do better.

It's important to recognise that some parents may feel wary about re-entering the school environment, particularly those who don't have fond recollections of their own school days. But some schools are doing a fantastic job of reaching out to parents who have traditionally had less involvement in children's school lives.

Many are finding that teachers, as well as parents and children, are reaping the benefits of stronger and more trusting relationships.

CASE STUDY 1

Reading Connects is an initiative that supports schools to work with parents to foster a love of reading in their children. Funded by the Department for Children, Schools and Families and delivered by the National Literacy Trust, the scheme encourages teachers and school governors to work together with parents and the wider community in promoting reading for pleasure.

Primary and secondary schools are part of the Reading Connects network, which provides practical advice to families on how to encourage reading at home while welcoming parents into the school and involving them in their child's education. The initiative is currently running in more than 5,000 schools.

Its success has led to the development of a model designed for babies and children aged from birth to five called Early Reading Connects.

CASE STUDY 2

Salusbury World is a charity located in the grounds of Salusbury Primary School and also works with Capital City Academy secondary school in London. The charity works with the schools to include and involve refugee children, their parents and the wider refugee community.

Recognising that refugee parents often have less involvement in their children's school lives than other parents, the charity hosts a variety of events attended by professionals who can help them to strengthen links within the community and cope with the pressures of living in a foreign country.

The sessions have put many parents in contact with solicitors, representatives from the Citizen's Advice Bureau and Sure Start. They also run storytelling workshops where parents read to children in the classroom and run free summer activities.