Parents' views listened to in 'Your child, your schools, our future' White Paper

Family and Parenting Institute

The new 'Your child, your schools, our future: building a 21st century schools system' White Paper has taken account of parents' views and implemented changes that they have long been asking for.

That's according to the Family and Parenting Institute as it welcomes the Government's new plans for more parental involvement in the education system (released yesterday, Tuesday 30 June 2009).

Anne Page, Policy Manager at the Family and Parenting Institute said: "Having progress updates on how well children are doing at school and access to a named personal tutor are things that parents have been asking for. We are really pleased to see that it has been incorporated into the 'Your child, your schools, our future' White Paper.

"Parents have told us they would like to be more involved and know more about their children's education but find that some of the current channels of communication don't work for them. Schools must recognise that a one size fits all approach won't work and that there are many barriers stopping parents being more involved."

Earlier this year the Family and Parenting Institute released the findings of a new study on the relationships between parents and schools. The report 'School-parent partnerships: emerging strategies to promote innovation in schools' identified five tried and tested models that strengthen relationships between schools and parents.

Employing a school-parent link worker in every school and running a consultation event open to all parents when their children start at a new school are just two of the ways schools are already effectively engaging with parents.

Parents told us about the barriers that stopped them being more involved in school life. Not being able to speak English, their own bad experience of school and a lack of time were some of the issues highlighted. It is vital the schools take account of this when doing more to get parents on board. Plus, not all parents will have access to a computer so online progress reports could prove difficult for some parents.

Research has shown that children do better at school when schools work in partnership with parents. This is because parents understand more about their children's education, are able to support and encourage them through key points in their school career and are more informed to ask about their school day and hence pick up on any problems.

Added Anne Page: "I think many parents will be pleased to see the changes. If they are implemented effectively it is likely parents will have a stronger relationship with their children's school and a better understanding of how well they are doing with their studies. These changes need to be communicated to parents properly so they know what to expect and are fully aware of what is available to them and their children."

You can find more information on the Family and Parenting Institute's work around school-parent partnerships here

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For more information
Please contact Emma Brennan in the press office of the Family and Parenting Institute on 020 7424 3477 or email press@familyandparenting.org

Notes to editors
The Family and Parenting Institute researches what matters to families and parents. We use our knowledge to influence policymakers and foster public debate. We develop ideas to improve the services families use and the environment in which children grow up.

Read our newsflash

July 2009