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Engaging parents
Contents
16 articles
Building relationships with parents
- Engaging EAL parents: strategies Is there guidance on engaging parents of pupils with EAL? We look at strategies you can use to build relationships with parents who are not fluent in English. You will also find advice on improving communication, using translators, and running events for parents and pupils.
- Headteacher's welcome presentation to parents What could a new headteacher include in a welcome presentation to parents? We relay advice from two of our associate experts on what to include in a welcome presentation, and look at other ways headteachers can introduce themselves to parents.
- Home-school agreements You aren't required to have a home-school agreement. But if you still want one, read this article to see examples from other schools.
- Home visits in the EYFS Is there guidance on conducting home visits for children in the EYFS? We relay guidance on when and how to conduct home visits in the early years. This article also features a case study on conducting visits for pupils due to start school, and links to resources and policies for home visits.
- How to make your holiday celebrations inclusive Find out how to include pupils from all religious backgrounds, whichever holidays or festivals you're celebrating. Our tips will help you be respectful of other traditions and avoid conflict with parents.
- Information sessions for parents: teaching and learning How could we deliver a session for parents about teaching and learning? One of our associate education experts suggests how to organise an evening for parents about the school's curriculum and how to support learning. We also outline a case study and link to examples from schools.
- Non-resident parents: sharing information Should we share information about a child with a non-resident parent? We relay advice from the DfE and a law firm on parents’ rights to receive information about their child, and when schools should withhold information. This article includes definitions of ‘parent’ and ‘parental responsibility’.
- Parental engagement strategies: advice and case studies How can we engage with reluctant parents? We relay expert advice on building relationships with parents and engaging with those who are harder to reach. You will also find case studies from 5 schools looking at different approaches, and ideas for reaching parents through the local community.
- Parents having teachers' email addresses Is there guidance on parents having the class teacher's email address? We look at the pros and cons of allowing parents to email class teachers. We also look at ways of making sure it doesn't negatively affect the teacher's workload.
- Parents refusing to be contacted What can we do if a parent refuses to be contacted? We look at the requirement for schools to hold parents' contact details, and relay advice on what a school can do if a parent refuses to provide them. We also relay advice on what to do if a parent refuses to engage with the school at all.
- Relationships and sex education: consultation toolkit UpdatedRequirements for RSE are changing from September 2020. If you're updating your curriculum or policy and still haven't carried out consultations with parents, pupils or staff, we have tips and resources to help you get it done remotely.
- RSE: handling objections from parents The new RSE requirements are a sensitive subject and you might have to field objections even after the consultation period has ended. Learn about the most common objections and how to handle them.
- Stakeholder engagement strategies How do other schools engage stakeholders? We look at the strategies 2 schools are employing to engage stakeholders such as pupils, parents, staff and governors and link to training materials. You will also find further advice and resources for improving parental engagement and promoting pupil voice.
- Structured conversations with parents How do schools use structured conversations? This article looks at guidance on running structured conversations with parents. We also look at schools using this approach.
- Welcome material for parents: EYFS Are there welcome handbooks for parents of children in the EYFS? This article highlights welcome booklets and packs for parents of nursery and reception age children. These explain school routines, the curriculum, and ways in which parents can prepare children for school and support their learning.
- Written communication with parents Is there guidance for schools on written communication with parents? We relay guidance on communicating with parents, and look at when information needs to be put into writing. You will also find advice on paperless communication, and examples of school policies covering communication.
10 articles
Information and guidance for parents
- Fundamental British values: information for parents Is there a leaflet for parents on promoting British values? This article features a downloadable Parent Pamphlet on this topic. Schools can use it to inform parents about fundamental British values. We link to examples of adapted pamphlets and information about the Prevent strategy.
- Head lice: communication with parents How should we deal with an outbreak of head lice? We link to guidance on how to respond to an outbreak of head lice, including advice on contacting parents. We also highlight examples of school procedures for contacting parents.
- KS1 and KS2 SATs results: information for parents Download our Parent Pamphlet which explains how the results of KS1 and KS2 SATs are reported, and covers scaled scores. You'll also find examples of guidance for parents from the government and schools.
- Ofsted reports: sharing the final report with parents Do we have to provide a paper copy of our Ofsted report to parents? This article includes guidance from an Ofsted spokesperson on sharing the inspection report with parents. You can also see examples of letters from schools explaining how parents can access a copy of the report.
- Parent chat groups: advice for class reps and ground rules Parent chat groups can be a blessing and a curse. Set ground rules and share our guidelines for class reps to help you avoid negative incidents.
- Parent pack template Get your parents up to speed early this term with our template parent pack. Let them know about essential school information and where to go when they have questions so you can save time throughout the year.
- Pupil social media use: advice for parents Is there guidance for parents on social media? We link to advice for parents on how to ensure their child is using social media safely and appropriately. You will also find resources such as a leaflet, a slideshow presentation, a glossary of ‘teen speak’ and letters to adapt and send to parents.
- SEN support: explaining the approach to parents How can we explain the single-category SEN support to parents? This article features a Parent Pamphlet about SEN support, for schools to download and adapt. We also look at information in the SEND Code of Practice.
- The Prevent strategy: information for parents Download and share our pamphlet on Prevent to share with parents, and see examples from schools of how they've kept parents in the loop about what the strategy means to them.
- Written information for parents: requirements When must schools put information for parents in writing? We look at what schools must put in writing, including specific policies, pupil reports, notification of exclusion and responses to requests for information. You will also find advice on whether schools must provide parents with hard copies.
22 articles
Letters to parents
- Absence, attendance and punctuality: template letters to parents Use our template letters to help you address attendance issues, including unauthorised absence and poor punctuality. See examples of letters from primary and secondary schools, and find out how to adapt your letters for pupils with special educational needs (SEN).
- Administering medicines: notification letters to parents Is there a letter notifying parents that medicine has been given to their child? We link to examples of letters from schools informing parents that their child has been given medicine. We also link to a template form from the DfE and further guidance on administering medicines to pupils.
- Early years pupil premium: letters to parents Are there letters to parents about the early years pupil premium (EYPP)? This article links to a DfE model letter to parents about the EYPP and refers to examples of letters from schools. The letters explain what the scheme is and encourage parents to sign up.
- GDPR: updating parents Download and adapt our template letter to update parents about the GDPR and the changes you’re making to prepare.
- Holiday gift-giving: template letter to parents At certain times of the year, parents and pupils may wish to give your staff a little something to show their appreciation. Use our template letter to let them know what's appropriate.
- Letters informing parents that the headteacher is leaving Telling parents that you're leaving your school is an important message to get right. Use the advice from our expert and examples from schools in this article to help inform your letter to parents.
- Letters inviting parents to meetings Are there any letters inviting parents into school for a meeting? In this article, we point to letters from schools which invite parents to attend parents' evening, as well as meetings about a recent Ofsted inspection result and upcoming National Curriculum tests.
- Letters to aggressive parents Are there model letters to parents who have been aggressive towards staff? We highlight model letters from 3 schools and the DfES, a predecessor to the Department for Education. You will also find links to related articles on dealing with offensive or threatening behaviour.
- Lockdown procedures: informing parents and pupils Follow our guidance when discussing lockdown procedures with your pupils. Download our template letter to parents and read examples of letters from primary and secondary schools.
- New headteachers' letters to parents Use our template to create a new headteacher's letter to send to your parents. Read advice on what the letter should cover, and see examples of letters sent by new heads in other schools.
- New parent governors: notifying parents Are there examples of letters introducing new parent governors? We look at templates from a local authority, and examples of how primary, secondary and special schools announce newly appointed parent governors. You will also find links to other articles on parent governors.
- Newsletters: template and what to include Use our template to create your own newsletter. Also, find tips on the what the contents of a newsletter should be, and how best to write and distribute it.
- Nut-free schools: letters to parents Find examples of notices you can send to parents to let them know about your school's no-nuts approach if you have pupils with allergies.
- One-page profiles: letters to parents Do you have examples of letters to parents about one-page profiles? This article sets out information on one-page profiles, and highlights letters explaining them to parents. We also highlight a school that used a twilight session to introduce one-page profiles to parents.
- Online safety: resources for parents Help parents keep their children safe online with these resources. Download parent factsheets on Fortnite and YouTube, see examples of letters to parents, and read our tips on working with parents with EAL.
- Parent governor elections: ballot letters Are there examples of ballot letters for parent governor elections? We link to examples of letters accompanying ballot papers for parent governor elections in primary and secondary schools. We also link to model letters from local authorities, and relay advice on what to include in this type of letter.
- Parent governor vacancies: informing parents Are there examples of letters inviting parents to become governors? We highlight examples of letters and online announcements about parent governor vacancies from primary, secondary and special schools. You will also find model letters you can adapt, and guidance aimed at parent governors.
- Poor behaviour: letters to parents Download our template letters you can send to parents about poor pupil behaviour. See also examples from schools.
- Pupil premium and FSM registration: template letter to parents Boost your pupil premium funding with our template letter that encourages parents to register their children for free school meals (FSM).
- Residential trips: examples of letters to parents Read examples of letters about residential trips from primary and secondary schools and a template letter from a MAT. You'll also find links to our articles on charging, supervision and health and safety.
- Staffing changes: letters to parents Are there examples of letters informing parents of a change of teacher? In this article, we link to letters from primary and secondary schools written to notify parents of staffing changes. You will also find examples of school newsletters informing parents of revised staffing arrangements.
- Year 1 phonics screening check: letters to parents Are there examples of letters to parents about the phonics screening check? We link to examples of letters from primary schools informing parents about the year 1 phonics screening check. We also refer to a booklet for parents from the DfE, which explains how the check works.
4 articles
Parental consent and responsibility
- Educational visits: parental consent Is there guidance on parental consent for off-site school trips? This article explains which school activities require parental consent. It links to a consent form for school trips, relays advice on who can give consent, and looks at arrangements for when parents withhold consent.
- Forms covering parental responsibility and collection rights Is there a form to record details about parental responsibility and collection rights? We refer to examples of information forms from schools. They include questions on parental responsibility and pupil collection. We also relay advice on keeping photos of persons who may collect children.
- Intimate care: agreements and consent forms Are there examples of intimate care plans and agreements? We link to template intimate care plans from a local authority and an academy trust. We also refer to parental agreements and consent forms for providing intimate care, including washing and changing pupils after soiling.
- Multi-purpose parental consent forms Use our multi-purpose form when seeking consent from parents. It covers consent for on-site and non-residential off-site activities, administering medicine, and emergency release. We also look at examples of forms from schools, and a 'one-off' form for off-site activities.
5 articles
PTAs and events for families
- GDPR: what your PTA needs to do Give our downloadable GDPR to-do list to your parent teacher association (PTA) to help it comply with the regulations, and find out how to stay compliant when sharing personal data with your PTA.
- Here's what to consider before running your event Be confident you've got everything covered before your school event so it runs smoothly. Get up to speed with what you can charge for, how to keep on top of health and safety, whether you need a licence or event notice, and how to manage data protection around photos and videos taken at the event.
- Parent teacher associations: guidance Learn about how to set up and run a PTA, and registering it as a charity. Find information on increasing parental involvement with PTAs, and take a look at examples of PTAs from primary, secondary and special schools.
- Poll results: parents taking photos at festive events Should parents be allowed to take photos of their own children at school events?
- Posters: rules for school events Use our posters to remind parents and visitors about important rules while they're on the school site for an event.
9 articles
Pupil reports and parents' evenings
- 5 hacks to reduce your pupil report workload See examples of time-saving report-writing strategies from other schools, alongside tips on how to improve your reporting processes.
- Effective parents’ evening conversations: advice for staff Is there any advice on effective subject consultation evening conversations? We relay advice from our experts on holding subject-specific parents' evening conversations. We also link to guidance and resources from Tes on having conversations at parents’ evenings.
- Free your teachers from report-writing frenzy: a case study Hazelbury Primary School has replaced traditional end-of-year reports with pupil-authored learning journals. Teachers have better work-life balance, the headteacher saves over 400 hours a year and parents get all the information they need. Here's how you could achieve this too.
- Mid-year reports to parents (primary) You can send pupil reports to parents throughout the year, rather than just annually. Get tips from our expert on how to do this.
- Parent consultation evenings: statutory requirements Schools are required to provide at least one opportunity per year for parents to discuss pupil progress with a teacher. Find out how to manage parent consultations for separated parents.
- Pupil reports to parents: checklist and templates Use our checklist to make sure your annual reports meet statutory requirements, and see what extra information you need to include at the end of KS1 and KS2. Download our templates and adapt them to suit your needs.
- Pupil reports to parents in a PRU For PRUs, reporting to parents doesn't have to be a difficult task. Read expert advice on what you should include and see how others do it.
- Pupil reports: using 'emerging', 'expected' and 'exceeding' (primary) Is there guidance on using the terms 'emerging', 'expected' and 'exceeding' in reports to parents? This article relays advice on using these terms to report pupils' progress to parents, and features a report template in this format. You will also find a case study from schools using this system.
- Reporting to parents of children in the EYFS What are the requirements for reporting to parents of children in the EYFS? We look at when early years providers must report to parents, the contents of reports, and whether to report results of reception baseline assessments. You will find an EYFS report template, plus guidance on photographs.
14 articles
Resolving issues with parents
- 5 tips for effective parent communication Use these tips to help improve communication with parents in your school.
- Aggressive parents: zero tolerance posters Find examples of posters to remind visitors and parents that aggressive behaviour will not be tolerated. Also find letters you can send to aggressive parents and other abusive visitors.
- Anonymous complaints from parents Should we investigate anonymous complaints from parents? The Department for Education says anonymous complaints about serious matters should be investigated if enough information has been given to do this. We look at school policies that outline different approaches to anonymous complaints.
- Banning parents or visitors from premises: letters You can bar a parent or a visitor from your school premises. Find out how to do this in writing, and get examples of letters you can send to barred individuals.
- Complaints procedures: guidance (academies) Get to grips with what your complaints procedure needs, and how to go about following it.
- Complaints procedures: guidance (maintained) Get to grips with the DfE's best practice advice on managing school complaints, and learn what to consider as you develop your complaints procedures.
- Handling requests to withdraw pupils on religious grounds If parents wish to withdraw their child from a subject due to their faith, read our article for help with finding a compromise.
- Parents complaining about other parents and children How can we respond to parents' complaints about other families? In this article, we relay advice from two of our associate education experts on meeting with parents and responding to their complaints about other parents and children. We also link to examples of policies and letters from schools.
- Parents recording conversations with staff Data protection legislation does not apply to parents recording meetings for their own personal use. Find out how you can deal with parents who want to record conversations.
- Persistent or aggressive complaints from parents How can we deal with persistent and aggressive complaints from parents? We relay advice on resolving complaints informally, as well as how to handle persistent complaints and deal with parents who act aggressively. You will find guidance on when to decide to stop responding to a complainant.
- Responding to criticism expressed by parents How can I respond to a parent who criticises the school to other parents and pupils, but does not complain directly to staff? This article includes advice from two of our associate experts and a headteacher about how to respond to criticisms or complaints expressed by parents.
- Separated parents: rights and responsibilities Working with separated parents can be tricky. Make it easier by reading our guidance on what parents' rights are, and what your school has a responsibility to do.
- Social media: how to deal with negative comments or behaviour by parents Use our internet acceptable use agreement for parents to help prevent inappropriate social media use. Learn how to deal with defamatory, negative or inappropriate social media use by parents, and use our template letters to respond to incidents.
- Swimming: responding to parents' concerns What can we do if parents refuse to permit to their child to swim? We look at how schools can respond to various concerns parents might have about their child attending swimming lessons. We also link to information on the statutory requirements for swimming in Key Stage (KS) 1 and KS2.