Some ideas for overcoming barriers
Communication
Use regular newsletters to improve information flow - Have a central information point e.g. regularly updated noticeboard
- Have a central contact point
- Exploit technology – web sites, email, blogs, text messaging
- Provide up to date information and a jargon buster
- Create regular meeting slots
- Create opportunities for informal as well as formal contact e.g. parents assemblies, social events
- Collect parents views e.g. suggestion box, parent forum, parents’ spokesperson
- Involve parents in school activities
- Use home/school books and diaries
- Use email or phone if there is sensitivity about keeping a written record
School and staff
Develop staff skills in communication and listening - Increase availability of staff and headteacher e.g. regular meeting slots, surgery times for 1-1 meetings
- Improve the range of activities in which parents can participate
- Make direct personal contact with parents
- Provide crèche facilities
- Make home visits
- Employ a Family Liaison Officer or Parent Support Adviser
Parent and staff
- Give regular feedback
- Act on parental suggestions
- Provide targeted and relevant information e.g. homework
- Give opportunities for informal meetings
- Share successes as well as problems
Building relationships and development
Create a sense of community through a wide range of formal and informal events - Homework sessions for parents and child
- Curriculum sessions for parents
- Courses and workshops for parents e.g. how to get the best out of meetings in school
- Joint courses for parents and staff e.g. child development, behaviour
- Family days out
- Joint fundraising events
- Team building for parents and teachers
Language, culture and religion
- Use of interpreters
- Cultural events
- Provision of information in different languages
- Work with local religious and cultural leaders
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