EngagingParents and
CarersGuidance for Schools
Healthier Living & Learning
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Foreword Pg4Introduction Pg7Whyisitimportantforschoolstoengagewithparents/carersaspartoftheNationalHealthySchoolsProgramme? Pg8Whataresomeofthefactorsthatmightaffectparent/carerparticipationinschools? Pg1�Workingwithhardtoengageparents/carers Pg1�Waysofengagingwithgroupsofparents/carers Pg16Ladderofparental/carerparticipation Pg18LeadershipandManagement Pg�0Usingself-evaluationtoimproveparental/carerparticipation Pg�� Howhavewereachedourcurrentposition? Pg�� Wheredowewanttobeinthefuture? Pg�4Parental/carerparticipationandOfsted’sSelfEvaluationForm Pg�5 UsingtheNHSPNationalAudittoaddress issuesraisedintheOfstedSEF,Section� Pg�5ToolsandTechniques Pg�8Conclusion Pg�1UsefulWebsites Pg��References Pg��Appendix1-Self-reviewofparticipationwithparents/carers Pg�4Appendix�-Engagementsummary Pg�8
Contents
Healthier Living & Learning
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ForewordThisdocumenthasbeenwrittenforschools,LocalProgrammeCo-ordinatorsandotherpartneragenciesinvolvedintheNationalHealthySchoolsProgramme.Itaimstosetoutarangeofgoodpracticeexamplesandstrategiesfortheeffectiveengagementofparents/carers,includingthosethataredifficulttoengage.
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Inthisdocumenttheterm“parents/carers’”willbeusedtorefertoallcategoriesofparentwhichincludesteenageparents,singleparents,fosterparents,corporateparents(localauthority),fathers,samesexparents,parentsfromvulnerablefamilygroups(e.g.thoseaffectedbysubstancemisuse),asylumseekingparents,stepparents,recentlyseparatedparents,legalguardians,parentswithEnglishasasecondlanguageandparentswithadisability.
Essentiallyparents/carerswillbeusedtocoveranyadultororganisationoperatingwithinaparentingrole,includingmembersoftheextendedfamilyandlocalauthorities.
Parents/carersarenotahomogenousgroupandassuchtheyhavedifferentneedsandthereforemayrequiredifferentmethodsofengagement.
How should this document be used?Inthisdocumentwelookatwhyitisimportantforschoolstoengagewithparents/carersaspartoftheNationalHealthySchoolsProgramme,whatthecurrentlevelsofparticipationareinschools,aswellaswaysofworkingwithhardtoengageparents/carers.
WeincludeaSelfEvaluationTool,foundatAppendix1,toassesscurrentlevelsofparent/carerparticipation.TheEngagementSummary,foundatAppendix�,willhelpschoolsidentifythebenefitsofusingparticularmethodstoengageindividualparents/carers.Itwillalsoallowschoolstocomparecurrentpracticewiththeladderofparticipationfoundonpage18.
CentraltotheNationalHealthySchoolsProgrammeistheWholeSchoolApproach1andworkingwithparents/carersisasignificantaspectofthis.Ifparents/carersareeffectivelyengagedinschoollife,theyaremorelikelytoparticipateandplayanactiveroleinsupportingtheirchildrentoachieve,andtohelpschoolssuccessfullygainandmaintainNationalHealthySchoolStatus.
1NationalHealthySchoolsProgramme(�007)WholeSchoolApproachtotheNationalHealthySchoolsProgramme
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IntroductionTheGovernmentiskeentopromotestrongpartnershipsinvolvingparents/carersandschools.TheDepartmentforChildren,SchoolsandFamilies(DCSF)WhitepaperHigherStandards,BetterSchoolsforAll–MoreChoiceforParentsandPupils(�005)�setsoutacommitmenttoincreasingtheinvolvementofparents/carersinschoolsandensuringthattheirvoiceisheard.
TheDepartmentforChildren,SchoolsandFamiliespublishedtheChildren’sPlan�whichsetsouttheGovernment’s10yearplanforchildren.Aswellaswhatitcallsa“rootandbranch”reviewofEnglishprimaryeducation,italsocontainsplansforparentrunschoolcouncilsandanationalpanelofparentstoadviseministersaspartofeffortstojoinupandimprovetheschoolandhomeexperienceofchildren.
TheGovernmentproposestoplaceafurthernewdutyongoverningbodiestoformallytakeintoaccounttheviewsofparents/carers.
�DCSF(�005)HigherStandards,BetterSchoolsforAll-MoreChoiceforParentsandPupils�DCSF(�007)Children’sPlan
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Why is it important forschools to engagewith parents/carers as partof the NHSP?AHealthySchoolisawelcoming,openschool,whichactivelyincludesparents/carersaspartofthewholeschoolcommunity.Itencouragesparental/carerinvolvementandprovidestheinformationandguidanceaparent/carerneedstosupporttheirchild’shealth,wellbeing,happinessandoveralleducationalsuccess.Itachievesthisthroughregularcommunicationandbycreatingarangeofopportunitiesforparents/carerstobeinvolvedinschoolactivities.Itwillalsouseeffectiveproceduresforfeedback,consultation,participationandcomplaints.
TheDCSFdocumentEveryParentMatters(�007)4makescleartheGovernment’sviewthatparents/carersshouldbeempoweredtoinfluenceandshapepublicservices,suchasschools,andbeginthenationaldebateastohowparents/carerscanbebestsupportedandengaged.Itoutlinestheinfluentialrolethatparents/carersplayinthedevelopmentoftheirchild’slearningandconfirmsthat“parentalinvolvementina
child’sschoolingbetweentheagesof7-16isamorepowerfulforcethanfamilybackground,sizeoffamilyandlevelofparentaleducation”.
EveryParentMattersdrawsonresearchwhichfoundthatmostparents/carersbelievethattheresponsibilityfortheirchild’seducationissharedbetweenparents/carersandschools.
Italsohighlightsthat7�percentofparents/carerssaidtheywantedmoreinvolvement.EveryParentMattersoutlinesfurthernationaldevelopments,including:
•greateraccesstoparent/carersupportadviserswhowilllinkcloselywiththe
ExtendedSchoolsAgenda•health-ledparent/carerprojects•aNationalAcademyforParentingPractitioners•transitionalinformationsessions throughExtendedSchoolsServices.
4DCSF(�007)EveryParentMatters
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healthy eating
Theme Name
emotional health & wellbeing
personal, social & health education
Physical activity
Beyond National Healthy School Status
Mmm
Pupil Identity
OK
Me
Activ
Mmm
OK
Me
Activ
Mmm
OK
Me
Activ
Mmm
OK
Me
Activ
Personal, Social& Health Education
Emotional Health& WellBeing
HealthyEating
PhysicalActivity
Beyond NationalHealthy School Status
WholeSchool
Approach
healthy eating
Theme Name
emotional health & wellbeing
personal, social & health education
Physical activity
Beyond National Healthy School Status
Mmm
Pupil Identity
OK
Me
Activ
Mmm
OK
Me
Activ
Mmm
OK
Me
Activ
Mmm
OK
Me
Activ
Personal, Social& Health Education
Emotional Health& WellBeing
HealthyEating
PhysicalActivity
Beyond NationalHealthy School Status
healthy eating
Theme Name
emotional health & wellbeing
personal, social & health education
Physical activity
Beyond National Healthy School Status
Mmm
Pupil Identity
OK
Me
Activ
Mmm
OK
Me
Activ
Mmm
OK
Me
Activ
Mmm
OK
Me
Activ
Personal, Social& Health Education
Emotional Health& WellBeing
HealthyEating
PhysicalActivity
Beyond NationalHealthy School Status
healthy eating
Theme Name
emotional health & wellbeing
personal, social & health education
Physical activity
Beyond National Healthy School Status
Mmm
Pupil Identity
OK
Me
Activ
Mmm
OK
Me
Activ
Mmm
OK
Me
Activ
Mmm
OK
Me
Activ
Personal, Social& Health Education
Emotional Health& WellBeing
HealthyEating
PhysicalActivity
Beyond NationalHealthy School Status
1. setting up aHealthy Schoolstask group
2. conducting aneeds analysis andidentifying gaps
3. planning outcomesand actions
4. implementing change
5. monitoring
6. review
7. achievingNational Healthy School Status
HealthySchoolsareexpectedtoinvolveparents/carerswhensettinguptheirHealthySchoolsTaskGroup.ThistaskgroupisintegraltotheWholeSchoolApproach(seediagrambelow).
*PSHE=Personal,Social,HealthandEconomiceducationatKeystage�
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TheOfstedreportHealthySchools,HealthyChildren?(�006)5foundthatconsultationwithparents/carerswasakeyfactorintheextenttowhichschoolswereabletosuccessfullypromotehealthierlifestyles.
Asuccessfulhome-schoolrelationshipcanbeakeyelementtomakingaschoolstrongerandmoreeffective.Itcanalsocontributetoachievingthefiveoutcomeswhicharemostimportanttochildrenandyoungpeople,includingstayinghealthy,assetoutinEveryChildMatters:ChangeforChildren.6
Ensuringfullengagementofparents/carersintheschoolisanactivitythatconstantlyneedstobereviewedandevaluated.Schoolsneedtomakesurethattheycontinuetoachievemaximumparticipationandengagement,includingwiththoseparents/carersthataredescribedashardtoreach/difficulttoengage.AmorerecentOfstedsurvey,Parents,CarersandSchools(�007)7looksintotherelationshipbetweenparent/carersupportandchildrenandyoungpeople’slearning.Itfoundthatalltheschoolsintheirsurveyvaluedtheviewsofparents/carersviews.Inadditiontothis,thebestschools:
•encourageparents/carersasactivepartners•demonstrateversatility,flexibilityand
determinationintheireffortstoengage withparents/carers•identifypreciselyhowparents/carers cancontribute•evaluatetheimpactofinitiativesand,ifthey
donotwork,thenchangethewayinwhichtheyarepromoted,untiltheydowork.
Agoodinductionarrangementforchildrenandyoungpeoplewasfoundtobeessentialinengagingparents/carerssuccessfullyandforestablishingaworkingpartnershipwithfamilies,rightfromthestart.Welcomingtheextendedfamilyintoschoolsisalsobecomingincreasinglyimportant,witharecommendationthatschoolsshouldactivelyinvolvegrandparentsintheirgrandchildren’slearning.
Moreandmoreschoolsarenowprovidingextendedactivities,includingparentingsupport.Thisincludesprovidingaccessto:
•parentingprogrammesusingstructured,evidencebasedprogrammes,aswell
asmoreinformationopportunitiesforparents/carerstoengagewiththeschoolandeachother
•familylearningsessionstoallowchildren tolearnwithparents/carers•informationsessionsforparent/carers•signpostingtonationalandlocallyavailable
sourcesofinformationadviceandsupport.
TheExtendedSchoolsServices8increasetheopportunitiesforjointactivitieswithchildrenandyoungpeopleandparents/carers.
5Ofsted(�006)HealthySchools,HealthyChildren?6DCSF(�004)EveryChildMatters:ChangeforChildren7Ofsted(�007)Parents,CarersandSchools8DCSF(�005)ExtendedSchools:BuildingonExperience
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Marsden Community Primary School
MarsdenCommunityPrimaryschool,inLancashire,hasahighnumberofchildrenofPakistaniorigin.Itwasnoticedthatitwasmainlymothersratherthanfatherswhoparticipatedinmostoftheextendedservicesschoolactivities.
Inanefforttoencouragemorefatherstoparticipateinactivities,aFatherandKidsTogetherclub(FAKT)wassetup.Thisclubprovidedweeklyactivitiesforfathersandtheirchildrenincludinghealthy‘cookandeattogether’sessions,aswellasarangeofsportingactivities,suchascrowngreenbowling,basketballandindoor‘kwikcricket’.
FAKTgotofftoaveryslowstart,withrelativelysmallnumbersattending.Postersandflyerswereproducedaswellasstafftalkingtoparents/carersabouttheprojectattheschoolgate.MotherswerealsotargetedtoencouragethefatherstosupportFAKT.Themoresuccessfultheirefforts,thegreatertheamountoffreetimeFAKTwouldbeabletogenerateforthemothers!
Therangeofstrategiesusedbytheschoolandtheiroverallpersistencepaidoff,asFAKTisnowconsideredahugesuccess.Asaresultofthetimefathersspendwiththeirchildren,theyhavereportedanecdotally,thattheyenjoyanenhancedrelationshipwiththeirchildren.Fathersarealsomorewillingtocomeintoschoolto
Case Study
supporttheirchildren’slearning.MarsdenCommunityPrimarySchoolishopingtoextendtherangeofclubsthatithasonoffertoencourageevengreaterparticipation.
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What are some ofthe factors thatmight affect parent/carer participationin schools?
Manyparents/carersalreadyacknowledgeawillingnesstobeinvolvedintheirchild’sschoolandlearning.Someparents/carersmayneedextrahelptosupporttheirchildren.Forexample,someparents/carersmay:
•havehadadifficulttimewhentheywereatschoolthemselvesandmaylackconfidence
•comefrombackgroundsandcultures whereinvolvementbyparentsineducation
ishighlydiscouraged•havedifficultiesinengagingwithschool
activitiesduetoworkinghoursand/orlocationofwork.
Someparents/carerswillfallintothehardtoreach/difficulttoengagecategoryandwillrequireanongoing,targetedapproach.Theseissuesareexploredinthenextsectionofthisguidance.
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Working with hard to engage parents/carers
•familieswhereoneorbothparents/carersareinvolvedinthecriminaljusticesystem
•longtermsickparents/carers•parents/carerswithlittleinterestintheirchild
andtheireducation•familieswheredomesticviolenceisanissue•familieswhereachildisdoingwellatschool
andconsequentlytheirparents/carerssusequentlydonotthinktheyneedtobeinvolvedintheireducation.
TheaboveisnotanexhaustivelistanditisimportanttorememberthatnotattendingtheschoolplayisverydifferenttoneverattendingwhenaskedbytheHeadteacherattimesofcrisis.Inmanycasesengagementcanbeachieved,butitmaytakeconsiderabletimeandeffort.Itmayalsobebestachievedbystaffmembers,suchaskeyworkers,whoareattachedtobutnotpartoftheschool.
Astrategywhichsomeschoolsuse,istoidentifyaparent/carerco-ordinatorrolewithintheirstaffingstructure.Thisrolecanensuretheco-ordinationofallaspectsoftheschool’sliaisonswithallparents/carers,includingthosewhoarehardtoengage.Therolecanprovideacoherentapproachtoidentifyinggoodpracticeandareasforschooldevelopment.
Manyschoolswillbeabletoidentifyparents/carersthatarereluctanttobeinvolvedintheirchild’slearningorschoolcareer.Thesearetheso-called“hardtoengage”parents/carers.Therearemanyreasonswhyparents/carersfallwithinthiscategoryandinordertoprovidesupport,itisimportanttoknowwhythisisthecase.Someofthereasonsmayinclude:
•parents/carerswithchaoticlifestyles,includingthosewithmentalhealth/substancemisuseissues
•parents/carerswithlowconfidenceand self-esteemduetotheirowndifficulties atschool•languagebarriers•culturalperceptions(insomecountries
educationissolelytheschool’sresponsibility)•asylumseekingfamilies•familieslivinginout-of-boroughrefuges•familieslivinginbedandbreakfast
accomodation•singleparents/carers,sometimesworking alongwayfromtheirchild’sschool•familyworkpatterns,suchasdifficult
workinghours•familybreakdown
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Theparent/carerco-ordinator(e.g.ahome-schoolliaisonworker)would,overtime,assessbarrierstoengagementandprovidethenecessaryassistance,suchasoutreachsupport.
Buildingagoodrelationshipwiththechild/youngpersonandtheirparents/carersisastepnearertoengagement.
Someofthemorevulnerablefamilies(e.g.thosewithsubstancemisuseissues)mayrequireadditionalsupport,includingco-ordinationandliaisonwithothervoluntaryandstatutoryservicestoaffectengagement.
Itisusefultorememberthatelicitingtheviewsofallparents/carers(includingthosereluctanttobeinvolved)isimportantifaschoolistotrulyrepresenttherangeofneedswithinitscommunity.ThisisevenmoresignificantwiththegrowthofExtendedSchoolsServices.Thewholeschoolapproach(seediagramp.�)providesausefulcontextforseekingtheviewsofallparents/carers.Forexample,itisbeneficialwhenaschoolisreviewingitsSexandRelationshipEducationPolicy(SRE)orDrugEducationPolicy(includingincidentmanagement)toknowhowthesepoliciesareperceivedandtheissuesthattheymayraise,particularlywithinthehardtoengagecommunities.
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Ways of engaging with groups of parents/carers Schoolscanengagewithgroupsofparents/carersinseveralwaysincluding:
TransitionprojectsThesecanbeagoodopportunitytoreinforcetheschool’sinclusiveandwelcomingethos.Theycandemonstratethebenefitsofparent/carersupportandtherangeofservicesthatcanbeaccessed,suchashowtheschoolsupportstheemotionalhealthandwellbeingoftheirchildrenandyoungpeople,bothonsiteandinthecommunity.
LearntogetheropportunitiesTheschoolcantakeontheroleoffacilitatingjointchildren,youngpeopleandparent/carersessionsontopicssuchashealthycookingclasses,physicalactivityclasses,ordiscussingtheschool’sapproachtoanti-bullyingorSRE.
ThemeddiscussionSmallgroup,themeddiscussions,basedonneedand/orarisingfromoutreachwork,suchasonSREorhealthyeating,canpreparechildrenandyoungpeopleforpubertyormakinghealthiermealsathome.Parents/carerscanalsobegiventheopportunitytosupportaschoolbycontributingtotheirNHSPNationalAudit.
PersonalisedinvitationsThesecanbeusedtocelebratechildrenandyoungpeople’sachievements,rewardsuccess(nomatterhowsmall)andprovideparents/carerswithaverypositivereasontoengagewiththeschool.
LanguageacquisitionclassesTheschoolsitecanbeusedtohosttheseclasses,whichinturn,canhelptoidentifyparent/carerneeds.Theseclassescanencouragepeersupport,withthemoreconfidentspeakerssupportingortranslatingforothers.
SupportingvulnerablefamiliesatcoffeemorningsItmaybenecessarytoadopta“steppedapproach”withsomeparents/carers.Forexample,afterinitialhomevisitstherecouldbesupportedvisitsonsitetoincreaseconfidence.
ExtendedSchoolsServicesSchoolscanprovideaccesstoarangeofhealthcareprofessionals.Thesecouldincludedieticianstoadviseonhealthyeating/packedlunches,andotherprofessionalstoadviseonphysicalactivityoraccesstosmokingcessationclasses(whichwillsupportthecommitmentoftheNationalHealthySchoolsProgrammetosmoke-freesites).
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Manyofthestrategieslistedheremayrequireasignificantamountofeffortonthepartoftheschoolandmaynotbringautomaticsuccessintheshortterm.Aswithallstrategies,theywillneedmonitoring,evaluatingandrefiningoveraperiodoftime.
Differentfactorsneedtobetakenintoconsiderationwhenseekingtoengageparents/carersfromanygroup.Also,lackofengagementofparents/carersinschoollifeshouldnotbeinterpretedasdisinterestontheirpart.
Schoolscan,anddo,engagewithparents/carersinmanyways.Themethodandapproachtakenisinfluencedbythetypeofengagementthataschoolisseeking.
TheNationalHealthySchoolsProgrammeprovidesschoolswitharangeofopportunitiesforparental/carerengagement,suchascontributingtotheNHSPNationalAudit,membershipoftheHealthySchoolstaskgroup,andpolicydevelopmentandreview.Schoolscanengagewithparents/carersasequalpartnersorasexperts.Forexample,parents/carersmayhaveaparticularskillthattheschoolwishestoinvestin,suchasexpertiseinhealthycooking,physicalactivityclasses,fundraising,curriculumsupportordevelopmentofpoliciesrelatedtoNationalHealthySchoolStatus.
Schoolsneedtobeclearaboutwhytheywishtoengagewithparents/carers,therolethattheywantparents/carerstoplayandthestructuresthatareinplacetosupporttheengagementofparents/carers.Themoreeffectivelyandovertlyschoolscanconveythattheyareinclusiveplaces,whichvaluetherangeofcontributionsfromparents/carers,themorelikelytheywillengageeffectivelywiththem.Itisgenerallyusefultoestablishacultureofthankingparents/carersfortheirsupportandcontributiontotheirchildren’soverallachievements.
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Ladder of parental/carer participation Differentlevelsofparticipationcanberepresentedasa"ladder"(seethediagramopposite)inwhicheachrungrepresentsincreasedempowermentandsharedresponsibility.Schoolsshould:
•considerthepurposeofparticipation•considerthediversityofthoseinvolved•ensureitisrepresentative•selectmethodscarefully•providetimelyfeedback•makeparticipationinterestingandrewarding.
Higherlevelsofparticipationandengagementfromparents/carerscanalsoincludechallengeandcriticism.Theschoolneedstobepreparedforthisandtodealwithitinaconstructiveandtransparentmanner.
School
Parents/carersareinformed
Parents/carersareconsultedandtheirviews
aretakenintoaccount
Parents/carersareinvolvedinsomeaspectsofschoollifeanddecision-making.
Thiscouldbeviaparent/carerevents,surveysthatdevelopoptions,action-
planningandmakingchangestogether
Parents/carersarefullyengagedintheschoolandparticipateinmostaspectsofschoollife.Parents/carersandtheschoolacttogetherinacollaborativepartnership
Increasing parental/carer participation
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Leadership and Management Theschool’sLeadershipTeamhasasignificantroletoplayintheongoingengagementofparents/carers.Engagingwithparents/carersisawholeschoolmatter,whichshouldbewellco-ordinated.ItshouldinvolveallstaffbutitshouldalsofeatureasakeytaskfortheSeniorLeadershipTeam.
Thereshouldbeasharedresponsibilityforallofthosewhoworkontheschoolsiteinconveyingwelcomingmessages.Itisespeciallyimportantthatanyreviewofpractice,policiesandprotocolsinvolvesallstaff,especiallythesitemanagerandofficestaff,asthesearethepeoplewhoparents/carersaremostlikelytomeetonarrival.
TheWholeSchoolApproach,advocatedbytheNationalHealthySchoolsProgrammeprovidesamodeltosupportchangeinyourschoolthatinvolveschildren,youngpeople,staff,parents/carersandgovernors.TheHealthySchoolstaskgroup,whichrepresentsacross-sectionoftheschoolcommunity,couldbeausefulgrouptodrivethisworkforward.Asuggestedactionforthetaskgroupistoanalysetrends,evaluateprogressandaddressissuesarisingfromtheschool’seffortstoengageparents/carers.
Thisshouldalsoincludeclearreviewprocessesagainstactionsthathavetakenplace.ParentingSupport,GuidanceforLocalAuthorities(�006)�requiresalllocalauthoritiestodevelopastrategicandjoined-updesignanddeliveryofparentingsupportservicesandasinglepointforcommissioningservicesacrossthelocalauthority.Theschoolleadershipteam,aspartofitsworkwithintheNationalHealthySchoolsProgramme,wouldbenefitfrombeingawareoftheparentingstrategyofitsownlocalauthorityandhowtoaccessservicesforparents/carersandinfluencethecommissioningprocess.
Theschoolleadershipteammightconsiderhavingparental/carerengagementaspartofanongoingprogrammeandtoidentifythisclearlyintheirSchoolImprovementPlan.Ahelpfulpublication,MaterialsforSchools,Involvingparents,Raisingachievement(�00�),10
combinesclearmessagesabouttheneedtoplanstrategicallytoimproveparental/carerengagement,withpracticalexamplesforbothprimaryandsecondaryschoolstohelpthemachievethis.
SomeschoolshavebenefitedfromidentifyingaspecificleadwithintheSeniorLeadershipTeamforparental/carerengagement,aswell
�DCSF(�006)ParentingSupport,GuidanceforAuthorities10IPRA(�00�)MaterialsforSchools,Involvingparents,RaisingAchievement
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astheroleofaparent/carerco-ordinator.Theleadershiprolewouldincludeanoverviewoftheeffectivenessofparental/carerengagementwithintheschoolandwouldinvolvereviewingschoolactivitiesandsettingnewpriorities.Theparent/carerco-ordinator’sroleallowsparents/carerstoraiseissuesthatarenotdirectlyrelatedtotheirchild,especiallywhereparents/carersmaywishtogivemoregeneralfeedbackandwouldnotnormallyapproachtheclassteacherortutor.Anexamplemightbeaparent/carerwhoisdissatisfiedwiththecurrentschoolmealmenuortheapproachadoptedtominimisebullying.Someschoolshavearangeofstaffwhocanofferthisparent/carerco-ordinatorrole,suchasahome-schoolliaisonworker,learningmentororparent/carersupportadviser.
Hinde House Secondary School, Sheffield
AtHindeHouse,aninnercityschoolinSheffield,itwasfeltthatmoreshouldbedonetoencouragehigh-qualityphysicalactivityamongchildrenandyoungpeople.Adancetutorwasemployedandco-ordinateddancelessonsthroughouttheday.Parents/carersweretheninvitedtotakepartandfamilydancewasintroducedasanafter-schoolactivity,sharedbychildren,youngpeopleandparents/carers.
Case Study
Theactivityisfun,beneficialtotheirrelationshipsandalsohelpstoencourageahealthierlifestyle.Theschoolusedaneffectivestrategytoenticeparents/carers.Thedancingthemewaspromotedamongthechildrenandyoungpeople,lettersweresenthomeinvitingtheirparents/carersandtheywerethenremindedofthedancelessonswhenpickinguptheirchildrenfromschool.Itwasmarketedasafamilydancesessionthatwouldbefree,funandlight-hearted.Parents/carersweretoldthatitwouldinclude“abitofeverything”includinglinedancingandimprovisation.
Thefirstafter-schoolclubranforsixweeksandwasagreatsuccess,andthesecondcoursewasoversubscribed.Parents/carersandtheirchildrenhavefoundahealthyactivitywhichhasallowedthemtodevelopaskillandspendtimetogether.
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Using self-evaluation to improve parental/carer participation Aself-evaluationprocesscanhelpdeterminewheretheschoolisplacedintermsofengagingparents/carersandcanprovidethebasisforimprovingparental/carerparticipationintheschool.Whendevelopingmechanismsforlisteningandactingonfeedbackfromparents/carersitisimportanttoseektheviewsandcontributionsofallparents/carersandnotonlyrelyonthosewhoregularlycontributeorwhoaremostvocal.Itisparticularlyimportanttotryandensurethatthehardertoengagefamiliesarealsoabletoparticipateandexpresstheirviewsandideas.
Self-evaluationcananddoestakemanydifferentforms.Onesimpletechniqueistoaskthequestion“howwellhastheschoolcommunicatedandengagedwithparents/carersinthelastyear?”inconjunctionwithcompletinganaudittrailofthepreviousyear.Thiswillenableyoutomeasurethequalityandquantityofmaterialandopportunitiesthatparents/carershavebeenoffered,andwillprovidevaluableinformationthatcanbeworkedontoimproveparticipationandengagement.
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Consider: How well are we working with parents/carers?
How effective are our methods?
Where are we now?
Areparents/carersalreadyhelpinginactivities?Ifsowhichones?
Whatisworkingwell?
Howcanwebuildonthepositiveexamples?Haveweengagedparents/carersinalloftheactivitiesinachievingNationalHealthySchoolStatus?
Areourmethodsversatile,flexibleanddetermined?WhichNationalHealthySchoolsProgrammeactivitieshadahighparental/carertakeuprate?
Ifparents/carersarenotengaging,doweknowwhy?
Whereisourevidence?
Howaccessibleistheschooltoparents/carers?
Howisthissituationmonitored?Whatdatadowecollect?Howisitanalysed?Howdoweknow?Howoftendoweevaluateoureffortstoengagewithparents/carers?
Howareparents/carersmadewelcome?Isthereanopportunityforparents/carerstocommentontheiroverallwelcome?
Whatdoestheirfeedbacktellus?
Haveweactedonit?
Doweknowifanygroupsofparents/carersareunder-representedatschoolactivities?Ifyes,doweknowwhichgroupsandwhy?
Whatstrategiesareinplacetodealwiththis?
Hastherebeenanyimprovementofengagementwithunder-representedgroups?
Havewefocusedonconsultationandinformationsharingratherthanparticipationinvolvingdecision-making?
Dowemonitorthis?Canweimprovethelevelofparticipation?
How have we reached the current position?
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Consider: What do we need to consider? What methods could we use?Where do we want to be?
Howeffectivecanourcommunicationssystemswithparents/carersbe?
Howbestcanwecommunicatewithhardtoengageparents/carers?
Howcanweencourageparents/carerstobecomeinvolvedintheschool?
Couldourparents/carersbemoreinvolvedintheactivitieslinkedtoourparticipationintheNationalHealthySchoolsProgramme?
Canweinvolveourparents/carersthroughextendedactivities?
HowcanwemoveuptheLadderofParticipation?(SeePg.18).
Whatmonitoringandevaluationcanweusetoensurewekeepimprovingthese?
Howdoweasktheviewsofhardtoengageparents/carers?
Whatisworkingwell?Howcanwebuildonthis?
HaveweinvolvedtheLocalProgrammeCo-ordinatorfortheNationalHealthySchoolsProgrammetoidentifyexamplesofbestpractice?
HaveweinvolvedthesupportoftheLocalAuthority’sExtendedSchoolsAdviser?
Arethereanyotherpartnersororganisationsthatweshouldbeworkingwith?
How will we know we have got there?
Howcanwemeasurethelevelofparticipationasabaseline?
Whatlevelofsuccessarewelookingforandhowwillwemeasureit?
Haveweincluded…SpecificMeasurableAchievableRealisticTimescaled…targets/objectives?
When will we have achieved this?
Dowehavecleardeadlines?
Haveweprioritisedouractions?
Dowehaveagoodmonitoringsysteminplacetoensureweareinlinetomeetdeadlines?
Doeseveryoneknowourprioritiesandwhytheyarepriorities?
Where do we want to be in the future?
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Parental/carer participationand Ofsted’s Self-Evaluation FormUsing the NHSP National Audit to address issues raised in Section 2 of Ofsted SEF
SinceSeptember�005,theschoolSelfEvaluationForm(SEF)requiredaspartofanOfstedschoolinspection,hasaskedschoolstocapturehowtheygathertheviewsexpressedbyparents/carersandtogiveexamplesofactiontaken,basedontheviewsofparents/carers.
TheSEFshouldconveyaclearpictureofhowwelltheschoolisdoingandshowwhatisbeingdonetobuildonsuccessesandremedyweaknesses.TheSEFcommentariesareexpectedtobeevaluativeandnotdescriptive,withinspectorslookingforclearjudgementsthataresupportedbyevidencelinkedtooutcomesforchildrenandyoungpeople.TheSEFshouldprovideproofof“howyouknowwhatyouknow”.
Tohelpensuretheactiveparticipationofparents/carersinthelearninganddevelopmentoftheirchildren,theSchoolLeadershipTeam,staffandgovernorsshould
knowhowwelltheirschoolinvolvesparents/carersindecision-makingandpolicydevelopment,implementationandreview.
ThetableonthenextpageprovidesanillustrationofhowtheNHSPNationalAuditcouldhelpschoolself-evaluationandprovideevidencetosupportjudgementsmadebytheschoolrelatingtoitsperformance.Section�oftheSEFposesaseriesofquestionsrelatingtotheviewsofparents/carersandhowtheschoolrespondstothese.Theseare:
•2aHowdoyougathertheviewsofparents/carers,howoftendoyoudothisandhow
doyouensureimpartiality?•2bWhatdotheviewsofparents/carerstell
youaboutlearners’personaldevelopmentandwellbeing?
•2cHowdoyousharewithparents/carersthecollatedfindingsabouttheirviews?
ItisinSection�oftheSEFthatmuchoftheschool’sworkininvolvingparents/carersinthepromotionofhealthylifestylescanbereported.
�6
NHSP Criteria Minimum Evidence (relevant to this guidance)
Questions for parents/carers
Links to other sections of the SEF
Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE)*1.5Hasup-to-datepoliciesinplacedevelopedthroughwideconsultation,implemented,monitoredandevaluatedforimpact–coveringSexandRelationshipEducation,DrugEducationandIncidents,Safeguarding,andConfidentiality
•Children,youngpeople,staffandparents/carershavebeenconsultedaboutthesepolicies.
•Children,youngpeople,staffandotherrelevantstakeholderscanoutlinetheirroleinthereviewofthesepolicies.
•Doyouknowwhototalktoifyouhavecommentsorquestionsrelatingtothefollowingpolicies:
- SexandRelationshipEducation
- Drugeducationandincidents
- Safeguarding- Confidentiality?
Ofstedself-evaluation�a,�b,�c,4a,4b,4d,4f,6a,7c
1.6 HasanimplementedNon-SmokingPolicyinlinewithsmoke-freelegislation
•Children,youngpeople,staff, parents/carersandgovernorshave
beeninvolvedinthe developmentandimplementation ofasmoke-freesite.• Theschoolisproactiveinproviding
informationandsupportforsmokerstoquite.g.promotingaccesstosmokingcessationclasses.
• Didyouknowthattheschoolisasmoke-freesite?
• Doesyourchildreceiveinformationaboutthedangersofsmoking?
•Canyourchildaccesssupporttoquitsmoking?
Ofstedself-evaluation�a,�b,�c,4a,4e,4f,6a,7c
Healthy Eating2.3HasaWholeSchoolFoodPolicy–developedthroughwideconsultation,implemented,monitoredandevaluatedforimpact
•Children,youngpeople,staff,parents/carers,governorsandcaterersare/havebeeninvolvedinpolicydevelopmentandcandescribetheirinvolvement.
•Apolicyisavailablecoveringallaspectsoffoodanddrinkatschool,includingappropriatecurriculumlinks,referencetopolicyregardingpackedlunches/foodbroughtintoschoolandchildrenoryoungpeoplegoingoff-sitetopurchasefood.
•Thepolicyisreferredtointheschoolprospectus/profile.
• Thepolicyisregularlycommunicatedtotheentireschoolcommunity.
•ThepolicyanditsimpactisreviewedtoreflectcurrentDCSFstandards.
•Doesyourchildenjoyeatingatschool?
•Areyouawareoftheschool’sFood/HealthyEatingPolicy?
•Whatdoesyourchildsayaboutlunchtimes?
Ofstedself-evaluation�a,�b,�c,4d,4e,6a,7c
Using the NHSP National Audit to address issuesraised in Section 2 of Ofsted SEF
*PSHE=Personal,Social,HealthEducationatKeystages1+�
�7
2.4Involveschildren,youngpeopleandparents/carersinguidingfoodpolicyandpracticewithintheschool,enablesthemtocontributetohealthyeatingandactsontheirfeedback
•Children,youngpeopleandparents/carersare/havebeeninvolvedinguidingtheschool’sFoodPolicyandcandescribetheirinvolvement.
•Children,youngpeopleandparents/carersagreethattheirfeedbackrelatingtopolicyhasbeenappropriatelyconsidered.
• Howhaveyoubeeninvolvedinyourchild’sschoolfoodpolicy?
• Hasinvolvementinyourchild’sschoolfoodpolicyhadanyimpactonhealthyeatingathome?
Ofstedself-evaluation�a,�b,�c,4a,4d,4e
Physical Activity3.7Encourageschildren,youngpeople,staffandparents/carerstowalkorcycletoschoolundersaferconditions,utilisingtheSchoolTravelPlan
•Parents/carershavereceivedinformationregardingtheSchoolTravelPlanvianewsletterarticles/lettersetc.
•Areyouawareoftheschool’sphysicalactivityprogramme?
•Hasitmadeadifferencetoyourownphysicalactivitylevelsathomeandthatofyourchildren?
•Areyouawareofhowphysicalactivityisimplementedintheschoolandwhatstandardsareset?
Ofstedself-evaluation�a,�b,�c,4a,4b,4e,6a,7c
3.8Givesparents/carerstheopportunitytobeinvolvedintheplanninganddeliveryofphysicalactivityopportunitiesandhelpsthemtounderstandthebenefitsofphysicalactivityforthemselvesandtheirchildren
• Parents/carersareawareoftheopportunitiestolearnaboutthebenefitsofphysicalactivity.
•Parents/carerssaytheyareactivelyencouragedtotakepartintheplanninganddeliveryofphysicalactivity.
• Mostparents/carersreportthattheyknowwhyphysicalactivityisgoodforthemandtheirchildren.
•Hastheschoolhelpedtoenhanceyourunderstandingofthebenefitsofphysicalactivity?
Ofstedself-evaluation�a,�b,�c,5c
Emotional Health and Wellbeing4.6Hasaclearpolicyonbullying,whichisowned,understoodandimplementedbythewholeschoolcommunity
•Children,youngpeopleandparents/carersknowandunderstandthepolicyonbullyingandfeelthattheyhavetheopportunitytoregularlydiscussitsimplementation.
•Theschoolhasasystemthatensurespromptreportingbacktoparents/carersonanyconcernsraised.
•HaveyoubeeninvolvedinthedevelopmentoftheAnti-BullyingPolicy?
•Doyouknowhowtoreportifyourchildisbeingbullied?
• Ifyoumakeacomplaintaboutbullying,areyoukeptfullyinformedoftheprogressofyourcomplaint?
Ofstedself-evaluation�a,�b,�c,4b,4d,4e,6a,7c
4.9HasaclearConfidentialityPolicy
• Children,youngpeopleandstaffareconsultedonthedevelopmentandtherenewaloftheConfidentialityPolicy.
•Children,youngpeopleandparents/carersareawareoftheConfidentialityPolicyandunderstandwhatitmeansforthem.
• Doesyourchildunderstandtheschool’sconfidentialitypolicy?
• Doyouknowwhatwillhappenwithinformationthatyousharewiththeschool?
Ofstedself-evaluation�a,�b,�c,4b,4d,4e,6a,7c
*PSHE=Personal,Social,HealthEducationatKeystages1+�
�8
Tools and TechniquesItisrecognisedthateveryschoolisuniqueandeachschoolwillhaveitsownprioritiesintermsofparental/carerengagementandparticipation.Somestrategiesareuniversalandsuitableforallschools,whileotherswillbemoreappropriateforspecifickeystages,ruralorurbansettings,specialormainstreamschools.Someofthefactorsthataffectlevelsofparental/carerparticipationmightinclude:
•parents/carerslivingsomedistancefrom theschoolinruralareas•parents/carersthathavechildren
transportedonbusesorintaxis•parents/carerswithmedicaland/orspecial
educationalneedswhothemselvesmayfinditdifficulttoengagewiththeirchild’sschool
•workingparents/carersincludingthosewithshiftpatterns.
Thetable,Self-reviewofparticipationwithparents/carersAppendix1,providesasummaryandanalysisoftheactivitiesthatschoolscouldusetoinform,consultandengagewithparents/carers.Foreachneworrevisedactivitythereislikelytobebothabenefitandacostattachedtotheactivity.Theseneedtobeweighedupinordertodecidewhetheritisaneffectiveactivityforaspecificschool.Ifschoolsareintroducing
newactivities,itisworthnotingthattheymaytaketimebeforeyieldingsatisfactoryorbetterresults.Perseverance,effectivecommunicationandasteppedapproachshouldallbeconsideredandarelikelytoproveinvaluable.Successcriteriashouldbeconsideredpriortoimplementinganewactivitytoengageparents/carersinschoollife.Comparingtheschool’scurrentpracticetotheactivitieslistedontheself-reviewtablecanprovideusefulanalysis.Herearesomepointstoconsider:
•areanyoftheexamplessimilartothoseyouarealreadyusing?Cantheybeimproved?
Ifsohow?•whatexampleshaveyounotyetconsidered?
Howwouldyouimplementthem?•canyouextendyourcurrentgoodpractice
further?•howcanyouensurethatyouachievethe
highestlevelofparticipationandengagement?•howcanyoumovetheschoolbeyondthe
informationlevelanduptheparticipationladder?
��
Phoenix High School, London
PhoenixHighSchoolinWestLondonhasintroducedseveralschemestoengageparents/carersaspartofitsapplicationforNationalHealthySchoolStatus.InMarch�007ithostedahealthylivingweekwhichincludedahealthylivingevening.Specificallyaimedatparents/carers,theeventconsistedofanumberofstandsprovidinghealthrelatedinformation.Bloodpressureandcholesterolcheckswereofferedandparents/carersalsohadthechancetotastetheschool’shealthydinners.Toengageparents/carersinthisevent,flyersandlettersweresenthomeandsomewerealsoinvitedbytelephone.
Toovercomeanticipatedreluctancefromparents/carerswhospokeEnglishasasecondlanguage,theschoolinformedthemthatbilingualassistantswouldbeonhandtohelpifneeded.Morethan1�0parents/carersandtheirchildrenattendedtheeventandthefeedbackwaspositive.Theysaidtheyappreciatedthehealthchecksandinformation,aswellasthehealthyfoodandgoodybagsprovided.
Aspartofitsdrivetosupportlearningoutsidetheclassroomandthewidercommunity
Case Study
health,theschoolhascreateda‘farm’andlearningzoneonitssite.Thisdevelopmentallowsittogrowfruitandvegetablesonthesite.Someproduceisgivenbacktotheschoolandusedinschoolmeals,whichfurtherengagesparents/carersinhealthyeating.
�0
Westhaven School, North Somerset
WesthavenSchoolisapurposebuiltschoolforchildrenandyoungpeopleagedbetween7and16,withcomplexbarrierstotheirlearning.Ithassuccessfullyengagedparents/carersthroughaParentSupportGroup,whichtheparentsthemselvesnamed“TimeOut”.TimeOutisheldonamonthlybasis.Parents/carersattendtheworkshopsduringschoolhourstoalleviatetheneedforchildcare.
Thetwohour-longsessionsarerunbytheschoolnurseandtheparentsupportadvisor.Topicssuchasemotionalsupportandangermanagementarecoveredandexperiencedparents/carerscomeintodiscussrelevantissues.TheworkshopshavebeencrucialinsecuringWesthavenSchool’sNationalHealthySchoolStatus.
Theschooladmitschildrenandyoungpeoplewithawiderangeofcomplexneedsandhaslongunderstoodthatemotionalhealthmustbepromotedamongstparents/carerssothattheirchildremainsconfidentandpositive,andtheparents/carersfeelvalued.Theparents/carersareinitiallyinformedabouttheTime
Case Study
OutworkshopsduringthepersonalmeetingwiththeHeadteacher,priortotheirchildjoiningtheschool.ThisisfollowedupwithaletterandthenfurtherpromotedthroughaParentTeacherAssociation(PTA)stallandtheschoolwebsite.
Thefeedbackfromparents/carersontheTimeOutinitiativeispositive,withfrequentrequestsformoreworkshopsandfamilylearningevents.Theschoolsaysthatestablishingastrongrelationshipwithparents/carersisagreatachievementbecausemanyoftheirpupilsliveoverthirtymilesawayandaretakentoandfromschoolinminibuses,minimisingcontactwiththeparents/carers.
TheliteraturereviewbyProfessorCharlesDesforges,TheImpactofParentalInvolvement,ParentalSupportandFamilyEducationonPupilAchievementandAdjustment11DCSF(�00�)found:
•parental/carerinvolvementdiminishesasthechildgetsolder
•parental/carerinvolvementisinfluencedbythechild’sattitude
•thehigherthelevelofattainmentofachildthegreatertheparental/carerinvolvement.
11Desforges(�00�)TheImpactofParentalInvolvement,ParentalSupportandFamilyEducationonPupilAchievementandAdjustment,DCSF
�1
ConclusionWorkingwithparents/carersisnotanewideaforschoolsandallschoolswillexperiencevarieddegreesofsuccess.Itishopedthatthisguidancewillencourageschoolstoself-evaluateandco-ordinatetheirworkastheytrytoengageallparents/carers.
Regularfeedbackfromparents/carerswillhelptoinformschoolstrategy.Insomecasessuccessmaybelimitedtotheknowledgethattheschoolhasbuiltapositiverelationshipwiththemajorityofitsparent/carercommunity,butstillneedstofindwaystoeffectivelyengagewithitshardtoreach/reluctanttoengageparents/carers.
Bestpracticeasks:Whatiscurrentlyworking?Nextpracticeasks:Whatcouldworkmorepowerfully?Thelatterresultsfrompursuingadifferentapproachtothesituation.
ThecasestudiesinthisguidanceservetoillustratetheworkthathastakenplaceinschoolswhichhaveachievedorareworkingtowardsachievingNationalHealthySchoolStatus.Asnewandrelevantcasestudiesemerge,theywillbeaddedtotheNationalHealthySchoolsProgrammewebsiteforalltoshareandbeinspiredby.
��
Useful Websiteswww.dcsf.gov.uk
www.dh.gov.uk
www.everychildmatters.gov.uk
www.healthpromotingschools.co.uk
www.healthyschools.gov.uk
www.ofsted.gov.uk
www.teachernet.gov.uk
www.familyandparenting.org
www.oneparentfamilies.org.uk
www.parentlineplus.org.uk
��
References1. NationalHealthySchoolsProgramme(�007)WholeSchoolApproachtotheNationalHealthy SchoolsProgramme
�. DepartmentforChildren,SchoolsandFamilies(�005)HigherStandards, BetterSchoolsforAll-MoreChoiceforParentsandPupils
�. DepartmentforChildren,SchoolsandFamilies(�007)Children’sPlan
4. DepartmentforChildren,SchoolsandFamilies(�007)EveryParentMatters
5. Ofsted(�006)HealthySchools,HealthyChildren?
6. DepartmentforChildren,SchoolsandFamilies(�004)EveryChildMatters:ChangeforChildren
7. Ofsted(�007)Parents,CarersandSchools
8. DepartmentforChildren,SchoolsandFamiliesCSF(�005)ExtendedSchools:BuildingonExperience
�. DepartmentforChildren,SchoolsandFamilies(�006)ParentingSupport,GuidanceforAuthorities
10.IPRA(�00�)MaterialsforSchools,Involvingparents,RaisingAchievement
11. Desforges(�00�)TheImpactofParentalInvolvement,ParentalSupportandFamilyEducation onPupilAchievementandAdjustment,DepartmentforChildren,SchoolsandFamilies
�4
Level of Participation
Audience Activity Benefit Some examples of good practice
Level1Information Allparents/carers Letters,newsletters,booklets Quick,lowcostmethodthatcanreachalarge numberofparents/carers.
• wellpresented• eyecatchingdesign• clearkeymessagesinrelationtotheNationalHealthySchoolsProgramme• availableinotherlanguages• plainEnglish• parents/carersinvolvedinthecontent.
Level1Information Allparents/carers Ensuringawelcomingapproachtoparents/carers Highparental/carerinvolvementinallschoolactivities. • parents/carersfeelwelcomeattheschool• allstaffactivelywelcomeparents/carers• receptionareaisopenandwelcoming• NationalHealthySchoolsProgrammeinformationonnoticeboards• parents/carersunderstandallthedifferentstaffroles• parent/carerco-ordinatoravailableforall• schoolsusefeedbackfromparents/carerstomakeschoolmoreaccessible.
Level1Information Accessibletothosewiththeinternet.Audiencecouldbeincreasedbymakingtheinternetavailabletoparents/carersinalibraryordesignatedroomforparents/carers
Schoolwebsite Oncesetup,thisisaneffectivemethodof communicationwithparents/carersaslong asthefamilyhasaccesstotheinternet.
• appealing,up-to-datewebsitewitharangeofinformation• websitedesignedbychildren,youngpeopleandparents/carersinconjunctionwith
schoolstaff• dedicatedsectionforNationalHealthySchoolsProgrammeinformation• NationalHealthySchoolsProgrammeinformationplacedonthewebsitewith regularupdates• activitiesadvertisedtoencouragehealthyeatingandphysicalactivities• adviceavailableonissueslikebullyingandschoolmenus.
Level1Information Allparents/carers Noticeboardsandotherinformationavailableattheschoolsite Quickandeffectivemethodofpassingon informationtothosethatvisittheschoolsite.
• noticeboardsinaccessiblepositions• includesaNationalHealthySchoolsProgrammesection• signpostingtomoredetailedNationalHealthySchoolsProgrammeinformationand
contactdetailse.g.SchoolFoodTrust,NHS.
Level1Information Allparents/carers,butespeciallytargetthehardtoreachparents/carers
Remindersincludingtext,emailandletters Remindersencourageahigherlevelofattendance atschooleventsandparticipationinschoolactivities. Theyareaneffectivewayofreducingnon- attendanceandthereforetimewastedwhenstaff putonactivitieswithalowturnoutofparents/carers.
• textandemailalertsusedtoremindparents/carers• remindersusedtopromptparents/carerstoattendNationalHealthySchools
Programmeevents,e.g.healthycookingsessionsandphysicalactivities• theschoolhasassessedwhichtypeofreminderismosteffectivefortheircommunity• followupreminderssentoutaboutNationalHealthySchoolsProgrammeevents.
Level1Information Allparents/carers Invitingparents/carersintoschool:
• personalisedinvitationstoevents• piggybackingonothersuccessfulwell-attendedevents• eventsrequestedbyparents/carerse.g.meetingsorworkshops onSexandRelationshipEducation• workshopsinitiatedbytheschoole.g.runningaworkshopfor
parents/carersonhealthyeating• attendingschoolcelebrationeventsorsportsactivities.
Face-to-facemeetingsallowmoredetailedpersonal contactwithparents/carers.
• allstaffareskilledinmeetingandwelcomingparents/carersincludingthoselesslikelytocomeintoschool
• theschoolenvironmentisopenandwelcomingincludingtheprovisionofrefreshmentsandcrèchefacilities
• acomprehensiverangeofactivitiesareavailableatdifferenttimesoftheday/week/yeartoaccommodateparents/carers
• parents/carerscanattendHealthySchoolsworkshopse.g.cookinghealthymeals• neweventsareaddedeachyearandlesspopulareventstakenoutofthe schoolcalendar• informationsessionsareprovidede.g.DrugEducationandanti-bullying• eventsforparents/carerstogetherwiththeirchildrenareprovidede.g.cookery
sessionsandsportsactivities.
Level1Information
Allparents/carersandtargetedparent/carergroups
Marketingevents Effectivemarketingwillresultinahigherlevel ofparental/carerparticipation.
• viewsaresoughtfromparents/carersonafullrangeofmarketingactivities• parents/carersareinvolvedintheschool’smarketingandcommunicationsstrategy
e.g.forthedevelopmentandimplementationoftheSchoolTravelPlan• marketingatparent/carereveningsforHealthySchoolsevents.
Level1Information
Allparents/carersandselectedhardtoreachgroups
Developinglinkswithparent/carerswithintheirownlocalcommunitiese.g.attendingandhostingcommunityevents
Theschoolwillbetterunderstandtheneedsand viewsofparents/carerswhodon’tusuallyengage inschoolactivities.
• specificfamiliesaretargetedtosupporttheirengagementinschoolactivities e.g.visittotravellersitebytheparentliaisonofficertoraisehealthissues.
Appendix 1Self-review of participation with parents/carersThistoolwillhelpschoolsassesstheircurrentlevelofparent/carerparticipation.
�5
Level of Participation
Audience Activity Benefit Some examples of good practice
Level1Information Allparents/carers Letters,newsletters,booklets Quick,lowcostmethodthatcanreachalarge numberofparents/carers.
• wellpresented• eyecatchingdesign• clearkeymessagesinrelationtotheNationalHealthySchoolsProgramme• availableinotherlanguages• plainEnglish• parents/carersinvolvedinthecontent.
Level1Information Allparents/carers Ensuringawelcomingapproachtoparents/carers Highparental/carerinvolvementinallschoolactivities. • parents/carersfeelwelcomeattheschool• allstaffactivelywelcomeparents/carers• receptionareaisopenandwelcoming• NationalHealthySchoolsProgrammeinformationonnoticeboards• parents/carersunderstandallthedifferentstaffroles• parent/carerco-ordinatoravailableforall• schoolsusefeedbackfromparents/carerstomakeschoolmoreaccessible.
Level1Information Accessibletothosewiththeinternet.Audiencecouldbeincreasedbymakingtheinternetavailabletoparents/carersinalibraryordesignatedroomforparents/carers
Schoolwebsite Oncesetup,thisisaneffectivemethodof communicationwithparents/carersaslong asthefamilyhasaccesstotheinternet.
• appealing,up-to-datewebsitewitharangeofinformation• websitedesignedbychildren,youngpeopleandparents/carersinconjunctionwith
schoolstaff• dedicatedsectionforNationalHealthySchoolsProgrammeinformation• NationalHealthySchoolsProgrammeinformationplacedonthewebsitewith regularupdates• activitiesadvertisedtoencouragehealthyeatingandphysicalactivities• adviceavailableonissueslikebullyingandschoolmenus.
Level1Information Allparents/carers Noticeboardsandotherinformationavailableattheschoolsite Quickandeffectivemethodofpassingon informationtothosethatvisittheschoolsite.
• noticeboardsinaccessiblepositions• includesaNationalHealthySchoolsProgrammesection• signpostingtomoredetailedNationalHealthySchoolsProgrammeinformationand
contactdetailse.g.SchoolFoodTrust,NHS.
Level1Information Allparents/carers,butespeciallytargetthehardtoreachparents/carers
Remindersincludingtext,emailandletters Remindersencourageahigherlevelofattendance atschooleventsandparticipationinschoolactivities. Theyareaneffectivewayofreducingnon- attendanceandthereforetimewastedwhenstaff putonactivitieswithalowturnoutofparents/carers.
• textandemailalertsusedtoremindparents/carers• remindersusedtopromptparents/carerstoattendNationalHealthySchools
Programmeevents,e.g.healthycookingsessionsandphysicalactivities• theschoolhasassessedwhichtypeofreminderismosteffectivefortheircommunity• followupreminderssentoutaboutNationalHealthySchoolsProgrammeevents.
Level1Information Allparents/carers Invitingparents/carersintoschool:
• personalisedinvitationstoevents• piggybackingonothersuccessfulwell-attendedevents• eventsrequestedbyparents/carerse.g.meetingsorworkshops onSexandRelationshipEducation• workshopsinitiatedbytheschoole.g.runningaworkshopfor
parents/carersonhealthyeating• attendingschoolcelebrationeventsorsportsactivities.
Face-to-facemeetingsallowmoredetailedpersonal contactwithparents/carers.
• allstaffareskilledinmeetingandwelcomingparents/carersincludingthoselesslikelytocomeintoschool
• theschoolenvironmentisopenandwelcomingincludingtheprovisionofrefreshmentsandcrèchefacilities
• acomprehensiverangeofactivitiesareavailableatdifferenttimesoftheday/week/yeartoaccommodateparents/carers
• parents/carerscanattendHealthySchoolsworkshopse.g.cookinghealthymeals• neweventsareaddedeachyearandlesspopulareventstakenoutofthe schoolcalendar• informationsessionsareprovidede.g.DrugEducationandanti-bullying• eventsforparents/carerstogetherwiththeirchildrenareprovidede.g.cookery
sessionsandsportsactivities.
Level1Information
Allparents/carersandtargetedparent/carergroups
Marketingevents Effectivemarketingwillresultinahigherlevel ofparental/carerparticipation.
• viewsaresoughtfromparents/carersonafullrangeofmarketingactivities• parents/carersareinvolvedintheschool’smarketingandcommunicationsstrategy
e.g.forthedevelopmentandimplementationoftheSchoolTravelPlan• marketingatparent/carereveningsforHealthySchoolsevents.
Level1Information
Allparents/carersandselectedhardtoreachgroups
Developinglinkswithparent/carerswithintheirownlocalcommunitiese.g.attendingandhostingcommunityevents
Theschoolwillbetterunderstandtheneedsand viewsofparents/carerswhodon’tusuallyengage inschoolactivities.
• specificfamiliesaretargetedtosupporttheirengagementinschoolactivities e.g.visittotravellersitebytheparentliaisonofficertoraisehealthissues.
�6
Level of Participation
Audience Activity Benefit Some examples of good practice
Level�Consultation
Allparents/carerswhoattend Parent/carerconsultationevenings
Consultationandengagementintransitionwork
Opportunitytoshareviewsbetweenstaffand parents/carersonareciprocalbasis.
• schoolengageswithparents/carersonaregularbasisaspartoftheWholeSchoolApproache.g.HealthySchoolstaskgroup
• parents/carersareconsultedthroughtheHealthySchoolssectionontheschoolwebsite• consultationeventsare“real”consultation,andfeedbackisusedtoshapeschool
policyandpracticee.g.theschoolFoodPolicy• feedbackfromsubjectbasedtutors(orclassteachers)isco-ordinatedtoensure thehealthandwellbeingofchildrenandyoungpeopleiscarefullymonitored• feedbackindicatesthatparents/carersfeelvaluedaskeypartnersintheirchild’s
successatschool.
Level�Consultation
Targetaparticularyeargroup,keystageortopice.g.SexandRelationshipEducation
“Bringaparent/carertoschool”session.Sessionscouldincludeattendingasessiononanti-bullyingoronliteracy
Impactcanbesignificantintermsofincreasing theparents’/carers’understandingoftheNational HealthySchoolsProgrammeandthecurriculumin general.Ithelpstobuildtherelationshipbetween staffandparents/carers.
• arollingcycletargetingbothtopicareasandyeargroupsisinplace• feedbackisalwayssoughtfromparents/carersandactedupon• parents/carersareinvolvedindecidingwhatsessionsshouldbeoffered• parents/carersofmorevulnerablechildrenandyoungpeoplearetargeted andsupportedtoattend.
Level�Consultation
Targetedtospecificgroupsofparent/carerse.g.hardtoreachfamilies
Outreachwork Outreachworkisparticularlysuccessfulinengaging someofthehardtoreachfamilies.
• awidegroupofschool-basedstaffandvisitingprofessionalsactivelyaim toengagehardtoreachparents/carers• schoolnurseandotherstaffareinvolvedinengagingtargetedfamiliesin physicalactivities• protocolsexistforinformationsharing• qualitytrainingisinplaceforstafftakingpartinthisworkincludinghealthand safetyprocedures• evaluationfeedbackissoughtfromparents/carers.
Level�Consultation
Allparents/carers Parent/carersurvey Parent/carersurveycanprovideinvaluable quantitativeandqualitativedata.
• surveysarecompletedonaregularbasisandparents/carersareencouraged torespondhonestly• responseratesarehighandactionistakenbasedonthefeedback• findingsandanalysisisfedbacktoparents/carers.
Level�Decision-making
Allparents/carers Organisingandhostingjointevents
Buildingontheskillsofparents/carers
Havingahigherlevelofparental/carerinvolvement indecision-makingshouldensurethatmore parents/carersattendandparticipateasthey feeldirectlyinvolved.
• eventshavebeenrequestedandorganisedwithfullparental/carerinvolvement.TheseareoutsidethenormalPTAtypeactivities
• activitiesmakefulluseoftheskillsofparents/carersintheschool,e.g.aparent/carerwhoisahealthprofessionalrunningahealthbasedworkshoporagardenerrunninga“growinghealthyfood”session
• parents/carersareinvolvedinsomeoftheExtendedSchoolsServicesactivities e.g.takingnetballsessions• parents/carersareprovidedwithtrainingwhichmaysometimesbealongsideother
schoolstaffe.gbullyingawareness.
Level�Decision-making
Allparents/carers JointlyorganisingworkshopsonthefourcorethemeswithintheNationalHealthySchoolsProgramme
Jointorganisationanddeliverywillensurethat parents/carerswillhaveamoredetailedunderstanding oftheNationalHealthySchoolsProgrammeandthe roletheycanplayinsupportingit.
• aprogrammeofworkshopsforparents/carersisorganisedacrosstheschoolyearwitheachofthefourNHSPcorethemesrepresented
• optionsinrelationtoschoolpolicyandpracticearediscussedanddecisionsmadee.g.SchoolTravelPlans.
Level�Decision-making
Allparents/carers AjointlyorganisedfocusgroupononeofthefourcorethemeswithintheNationalHealthySchoolsProgramme
Jointproductionofahealthsurveyforchildrenand youngpeopleonhealthylifestyleswillraiseparents’/ carers’knowledgeofthethemeandawarenessof theimplicationsfortheirchildren.
• regularsurveysarecompletedonperceptionsofbullyingandtheeffectivenessofanti-bullyingstrategies
• focusgroupofchildrenandyoungpeopleaskedtocommentonschoolprocessese.g.lunch-timeexperience,physicalactivitiesofferedbytheschool
• effectiveschoolcouncilinplacewhichgivesreportstobothstaffandparents/carers.
Level4CollaborativePartnership
Selectedyeargroups After-schoolphysicalactivityprogramme Ahighlevelofparticipationatallstageswillensure thesuccessoftheprogrammeandensurethatitis responsivetoparent/carerneeds.
• parents/carersarefullyinvolvedindevisinganddeliveringafullphysicalactivityprogramme
• thecontentanddeliveryoftheprogrammeisamendedbasedonfeedbackfromparents/carers.
Level4CollaborativePartnership
Alloraselectedcross-sectionofparents/carers Reviewingand/ordevelopingpoliciese.g.wholeschoolFoodPolicy,BehaviourPolicyorDrugEducationPolicy
Parents/carershaveahigherdegreeof understandingoftherationale,purposeand operationalarrangementsofdeliveringand implementingkeypoliciesintheschool.
• parents/carershavebeenfullyinvolvedinthepolicydevelopment• theyhaveinfluencedthepolicyformationandaresupportingitsdelivery• parents/carersarechampionsofpoliciesrelatedtotheNationalHealthySchools
Programme.
Level4CollaborativePartnership
Focusgroupofparents/carers Re-designthe“lunch-timeexperience”.Involveparents/carersintheentireprocessfromgatheringinformation,consultationonchanges,implementationandreview
Aprocessofcontinualimprovementexiststoensure thelunch-timesessioniscontinuallyimproved.
• parents/carersseekongoingfeedbackfromtheirchildrenonaregularbasisandimprovethe“lunch-timeexperience”
• regularsatisfactionsurveysarecompletedbychildren,youngpeopleandparents/carers
• parents/carersfeeltheirviewsarevalued• dataisregularlysoughtandconfirmsapositiveexperienceatlunch-timee.g.less
incidentsofbullyingreportedduringlunch-time.
�7
Level of Participation
Audience Activity Benefit Some examples of good practice
Level�Consultation
Allparents/carerswhoattend Parent/carerconsultationevenings
Consultationandengagementintransitionwork
Opportunitytoshareviewsbetweenstaffand parents/carersonareciprocalbasis.
• schoolengageswithparents/carersonaregularbasisaspartoftheWholeSchoolApproache.g.HealthySchoolstaskgroup
• parents/carersareconsultedthroughtheHealthySchoolssectionontheschoolwebsite• consultationeventsare“real”consultation,andfeedbackisusedtoshapeschool
policyandpracticee.g.theschoolFoodPolicy• feedbackfromsubjectbasedtutors(orclassteachers)isco-ordinatedtoensure thehealthandwellbeingofchildrenandyoungpeopleiscarefullymonitored• feedbackindicatesthatparents/carersfeelvaluedaskeypartnersintheirchild’s
successatschool.
Level�Consultation
Targetaparticularyeargroup,keystageortopice.g.SexandRelationshipEducation
“Bringaparent/carertoschool”session.Sessionscouldincludeattendingasessiononanti-bullyingoronliteracy
Impactcanbesignificantintermsofincreasing theparents’/carers’understandingoftheNational HealthySchoolsProgrammeandthecurriculumin general.Ithelpstobuildtherelationshipbetween staffandparents/carers.
• arollingcycletargetingbothtopicareasandyeargroupsisinplace• feedbackisalwayssoughtfromparents/carersandactedupon• parents/carersareinvolvedindecidingwhatsessionsshouldbeoffered• parents/carersofmorevulnerablechildrenandyoungpeoplearetargeted andsupportedtoattend.
Level�Consultation
Targetedtospecificgroupsofparent/carerse.g.hardtoreachfamilies
Outreachwork Outreachworkisparticularlysuccessfulinengaging someofthehardtoreachfamilies.
• awidegroupofschool-basedstaffandvisitingprofessionalsactivelyaim toengagehardtoreachparents/carers• schoolnurseandotherstaffareinvolvedinengagingtargetedfamiliesin physicalactivities• protocolsexistforinformationsharing• qualitytrainingisinplaceforstafftakingpartinthisworkincludinghealthand safetyprocedures• evaluationfeedbackissoughtfromparents/carers.
Level�Consultation
Allparents/carers Parent/carersurvey Parent/carersurveycanprovideinvaluable quantitativeandqualitativedata.
• surveysarecompletedonaregularbasisandparents/carersareencouraged torespondhonestly• responseratesarehighandactionistakenbasedonthefeedback• findingsandanalysisisfedbacktoparents/carers.
Level�Decision-making
Allparents/carers Organisingandhostingjointevents
Buildingontheskillsofparents/carers
Havingahigherlevelofparental/carerinvolvement indecision-makingshouldensurethatmore parents/carersattendandparticipateasthey feeldirectlyinvolved.
• eventshavebeenrequestedandorganisedwithfullparental/carerinvolvement.TheseareoutsidethenormalPTAtypeactivities
• activitiesmakefulluseoftheskillsofparents/carersintheschool,e.g.aparent/carerwhoisahealthprofessionalrunningahealthbasedworkshoporagardenerrunninga“growinghealthyfood”session
• parents/carersareinvolvedinsomeoftheExtendedSchoolsServicesactivities e.g.takingnetballsessions• parents/carersareprovidedwithtrainingwhichmaysometimesbealongsideother
schoolstaffe.gbullyingawareness.
Level�Decision-making
Allparents/carers JointlyorganisingworkshopsonthefourcorethemeswithintheNationalHealthySchoolsProgramme
Jointorganisationanddeliverywillensurethat parents/carerswillhaveamoredetailedunderstanding oftheNationalHealthySchoolsProgrammeandthe roletheycanplayinsupportingit.
• aprogrammeofworkshopsforparents/carersisorganisedacrosstheschoolyearwitheachofthefourNHSPcorethemesrepresented
• optionsinrelationtoschoolpolicyandpracticearediscussedanddecisionsmadee.g.SchoolTravelPlans.
Level�Decision-making
Allparents/carers AjointlyorganisedfocusgroupononeofthefourcorethemeswithintheNationalHealthySchoolsProgramme
Jointproductionofahealthsurveyforchildrenand youngpeopleonhealthylifestyleswillraiseparents’/ carers’knowledgeofthethemeandawarenessof theimplicationsfortheirchildren.
• regularsurveysarecompletedonperceptionsofbullyingandtheeffectivenessofanti-bullyingstrategies
• focusgroupofchildrenandyoungpeopleaskedtocommentonschoolprocessese.g.lunch-timeexperience,physicalactivitiesofferedbytheschool
• effectiveschoolcouncilinplacewhichgivesreportstobothstaffandparents/carers.
Level4CollaborativePartnership
Selectedyeargroups After-schoolphysicalactivityprogramme Ahighlevelofparticipationatallstageswillensure thesuccessoftheprogrammeandensurethatitis responsivetoparent/carerneeds.
• parents/carersarefullyinvolvedindevisinganddeliveringafullphysicalactivityprogramme
• thecontentanddeliveryoftheprogrammeisamendedbasedonfeedbackfromparents/carers.
Level4CollaborativePartnership
Alloraselectedcross-sectionofparents/carers Reviewingand/ordevelopingpoliciese.g.wholeschoolFoodPolicy,BehaviourPolicyorDrugEducationPolicy
Parents/carershaveahigherdegreeof understandingoftherationale,purposeand operationalarrangementsofdeliveringand implementingkeypoliciesintheschool.
• parents/carershavebeenfullyinvolvedinthepolicydevelopment• theyhaveinfluencedthepolicyformationandaresupportingitsdelivery• parents/carersarechampionsofpoliciesrelatedtotheNationalHealthySchools
Programme.
Level4CollaborativePartnership
Focusgroupofparents/carers Re-designthe“lunch-timeexperience”.Involveparents/carersintheentireprocessfromgatheringinformation,consultationonchanges,implementationandreview
Aprocessofcontinualimprovementexiststoensure thelunch-timesessioniscontinuallyimproved.
• parents/carersseekongoingfeedbackfromtheirchildrenonaregularbasisandimprovethe“lunch-timeexperience”
• regularsatisfactionsurveysarecompletedbychildren,youngpeopleandparents/carers
• parents/carersfeeltheirviewsarevalued• dataisregularlysoughtandconfirmsapositiveexperienceatlunch-timee.g.less
incidentsofbullyingreportedduringlunch-time.
�8
Levels of parental/carer engagement andparticipation (ladder)
Essential Practice Best Practice Exemplary Practice
Parents/carersarefullyengagedintheschoolandparticipateinmostaspectsofschoollife.Parents/carersandtheschoolacttogetherinacollaborativepartnership
• Consistentandregularinvolvementofparentgovernorsatgoverning bodymeetingsandaclearprocessforseekingparents’/carers’views andprovidingfeedback.• Parents/carersconsultedonkeypoliciese.g.relevantdraftpoliciesare placedontheschoolwebsiteandparents/carersinvitedtocomment.• Theschooltakeseveryopportunitytoinvolvetheparents/carersofchildren oryoungpeopleincare.Thismayincludefostercarers,socialworkersand othersignificantadultsinthechildoryoungperson’slife.
• Regularmeetingandsharingbetweenparentgovernorsand otherparents/carerse.g.withparents/carersontheHealthy Schoolstaskgroup. • Parents/carers(otherthanparentgovernors)involved inreviewingtheSchoolImprovementPlan. • Parents/carersinvolvedinthedrawingupofpolicy documentse.g.policiesrelatingtosensitiveissues suchasSREorDrugEducation. • Theschoolisawareoftheskillsoftheirparent/carergroup andencouragesparents/carerstorunsportandotheractivities aspartoftheExtendedSchoolsServicesoffer. • Parents/carersareencouragedtovolunteertheirhelpe.g. re-decorationofthedininghall,careerstalks,orhelping onsportsday.
• Programmeofparental/carerengagementorganisedjointlybytheHeadteacher,governors,parent/carerrepresentativesandrelevantothersforarangeofparents/carers.
• Parents/carersdirectlyinvolvedinreviewingthepolicyforworkingwithparents/carersandfamilies.
• Parents/carersinvolvedinacross-curricularworkinggroupwithabrieftodevelopthehome-schoolarea.
• Schoolcandemonstratehowithasengagedwithallparents/carersandtheoutcomesoftheengagemente.g.monitoringofpacked
lunchcontents.• Parents/carersinvolvedinthereviewofexistingpoliciesand
developmentofnewpolicies.• Implementationofadultandpeermentoringschemesforparents/
carers,childrenandyoungpeople.
Parents/carersareinvolvedinsomeaspectsofschoollifeanddecision-making
• Parent/carereveningsmadeaccessibletoasmanyparents/carersas possiblee.g.flexiblestartandfinishtimes.
• Feedbackrequestedaboutparent/carereveningsandrespondedto. • Imaginativehomeworktasksintroducedtoinvolvefamilies e.g.inventinganewhealthylunchoptionwithparents/carers. • Workshopsrunforparents/carerstoencouragetheirpractical involvementandsupportinkeyarease.g.sportscoaching. • Accesstoprofessionalswhovisittheschoole.g.schoolnurse oreducationalpsychologist. • Themedeventsbasedonthefourcorethemeswithinthe NationalHealthySchoolsProgramme. • Accesstotraininge.g.family,SEAL. • “Bringyourparent/carertoschool”days.
• Regularevaluationofparent/carereveningsandinvolvementofparents/carersintherunningofthem.
• Theschooloffersalternativestoparent/carereveningse.g.tutormeetingsoralternativetimesorvenuestoencourageattendance.
• Opportunitiesprovidedtomeetwithparents/carerswhohavenotattendedtheparents/carerseveninge.g.offerhomevisits.
• Programmeofsupportsessionsforparents/carerse.g.healthyeating,emotionalintelligence.
• Involvementofbothmothersandfathersismonitored.• Membersoftheextendedfamilyareencouragedtobeinvolved e.g.grandparents.
Parents/carersareconsultedandtheirviewsaretakenintoaccount
• Feedbackrequestedonaregularbasise.g.termlyquestionnaires.• Clearprocessforparents/carerstooffersuggestions.• Clearprocesstomakeacomplaint.
• Wholeschoolsurveys,includingsamplese.g.yeargroups, parents/carersofnewintakeorattransition. • Home-schoolagreementsarereviewedandupdated.
• Wholeschoolsurveyswithfocusgroupsthatincludehardtoreachparents/carers,newparents/carers,parents/carersthathavehadadifficultrelationshipwiththeschool.
• Parents/carersareinvolvedinanumberofcurricularareasintheschoole.g.practicalcookery,physicalactivity,careertalks.
• Parent/carersurveystofindoutwhenitismostconvenienttohavemeetings,andofferarangeoftimestosuitallparents/carers.
• Creativeuseofhomeworkdiariestoallowparents/carerstogiveregularfeedback.
• Home-schoolagreementisadynamicchangingdocumentandcommitment,andformsakeyfocusinengagingparents/carersintheschool.
Parents/carersareinformed • Regularschoollettertoparents/carerse.g.withadedicatedsectionforthe NationalHealthySchoolsProgramme.• Allmaterialsenttoparents/carerssuchasnewsletters,prospectusesand lettersareaccessible,easytoreadandinappropriatelanguages.• Clearpointofcontactforparents/carers,whentheycomeintoorcontact schoolbytelephone.• Schoolreceptionareaiswelcomingtoallparents/carers.• Regularreportingofachildoryoungperson’sprogress.• Schoolhasaprogrammeofeventsthatisofferedatdifferenttimesinthe schooldaytocaterforshiftandotherworkingpatterns.• Arecordiskeptoftheinformationsharedwithparents/carers.• Invitationtoparents/carerstovisittheschoolbeforetheirchildstartsin receptionandonanongoingbasis.• Informationleafletthatdescribesthecurriculum.
• Wellpublishedschoolletteramendedasaresultof feedbackfromparents/carers. • Theuseofsuggestionsboxesor“surgeries”toseekviews fromparents/carersthatarelessvocal. • Accesstoahighqualityinteractivewebsite. • Offerofopendoorsessionsonaregularbasis. • Schooltriesarangeofcommunicationtechniquese.g.website, textanddesktopalertstokeepparents/carersinformed. • Seeksfeedbackonthereportingprocessandmakes relevantamendmentsbasedonit. • ReviewswhethertheinformationontopicssuchasSexand RelationshipEducationissharedwithparents/carersand hasbeeneffectiveinsupportingdiscussionswiththeirchildren. • Anopportunitytohearfromteachersaboutthecurriculum fortheyear. • Termly/annualcalendarofeventsproducedforparents/ carersthatisalsoplacedontheschoolwebsite.
• WellpublishedschoolletterwithNationalHealthySchoolsProgrammesectionthathaschangedinformatandcontentasaresultofparental/carerfeedbackandperhapsdesignedbychildrenandyoungpeople.
• Informationprovidedthatparents/carershaveaskedfor,wellinadvanceofthedate.
• Regularremindersofkeyeventse.g.throughfollowuptextmessages.• Parent/carerroomorareawithinschoolthatiswelcomingand
providesaccesstotheschool’swebsiteandICT.• Anopportunitytoobservetheclassandattendjointchildand parent/carersessions.• Anopportunityasaparent/carertogivefeedbacktotheschooloutside
oftheparent/carereveninge.g.adrop-insessionwithgovernors.Thefeedbackisthenacteduponinaconstructivemanner.
• SchoolachievestheLeadingParent/CarerPartnershipAward.
Appendix 2Engagement summaryThefollowingtableprovidesfurtherinformationandallowsyoutocompareyourcurrentpracticewiththeladderofparticipationandvaryinglevelsofgoodpractice.
��
Levels of parental/carer engagement andparticipation (ladder)
Essential Practice Best Practice Exemplary Practice
Parents/carersarefullyengagedintheschoolandparticipateinmostaspectsofschoollife.Parents/carersandtheschoolacttogetherinacollaborativepartnership
• Consistentandregularinvolvementofparentgovernorsatgoverning bodymeetingsandaclearprocessforseekingparents’/carers’views andprovidingfeedback.• Parents/carersconsultedonkeypoliciese.g.relevantdraftpoliciesare placedontheschoolwebsiteandparents/carersinvitedtocomment.• Theschooltakeseveryopportunitytoinvolvetheparents/carersofchildren oryoungpeopleincare.Thismayincludefostercarers,socialworkersand othersignificantadultsinthechildoryoungperson’slife.
• Regularmeetingandsharingbetweenparentgovernorsand otherparents/carerse.g.withparents/carersontheHealthy Schoolstaskgroup. • Parents/carers(otherthanparentgovernors)involved inreviewingtheSchoolImprovementPlan. • Parents/carersinvolvedinthedrawingupofpolicy documentse.g.policiesrelatingtosensitiveissues suchasSREorDrugEducation. • Theschoolisawareoftheskillsoftheirparent/carergroup andencouragesparents/carerstorunsportandotheractivities aspartoftheExtendedSchoolsServicesoffer. • Parents/carersareencouragedtovolunteertheirhelpe.g. re-decorationofthedininghall,careerstalks,orhelping onsportsday.
• Programmeofparental/carerengagementorganisedjointlybytheHeadteacher,governors,parent/carerrepresentativesandrelevantothersforarangeofparents/carers.
• Parents/carersdirectlyinvolvedinreviewingthepolicyforworkingwithparents/carersandfamilies.
• Parents/carersinvolvedinacross-curricularworkinggroupwithabrieftodevelopthehome-schoolarea.
• Schoolcandemonstratehowithasengagedwithallparents/carersandtheoutcomesoftheengagemente.g.monitoringofpacked
lunchcontents.• Parents/carersinvolvedinthereviewofexistingpoliciesand
developmentofnewpolicies.• Implementationofadultandpeermentoringschemesforparents/
carers,childrenandyoungpeople.
Parents/carersareinvolvedinsomeaspectsofschoollifeanddecision-making
• Parent/carereveningsmadeaccessibletoasmanyparents/carersas possiblee.g.flexiblestartandfinishtimes.
• Feedbackrequestedaboutparent/carereveningsandrespondedto. • Imaginativehomeworktasksintroducedtoinvolvefamilies e.g.inventinganewhealthylunchoptionwithparents/carers. • Workshopsrunforparents/carerstoencouragetheirpractical involvementandsupportinkeyarease.g.sportscoaching. • Accesstoprofessionalswhovisittheschoole.g.schoolnurse oreducationalpsychologist. • Themedeventsbasedonthefourcorethemeswithinthe NationalHealthySchoolsProgramme. • Accesstotraininge.g.family,SEAL. • “Bringyourparent/carertoschool”days.
• Regularevaluationofparent/carereveningsandinvolvementofparents/carersintherunningofthem.
• Theschooloffersalternativestoparent/carereveningse.g.tutormeetingsoralternativetimesorvenuestoencourageattendance.
• Opportunitiesprovidedtomeetwithparents/carerswhohavenotattendedtheparents/carerseveninge.g.offerhomevisits.
• Programmeofsupportsessionsforparents/carerse.g.healthyeating,emotionalintelligence.
• Involvementofbothmothersandfathersismonitored.• Membersoftheextendedfamilyareencouragedtobeinvolved e.g.grandparents.
Parents/carersareconsultedandtheirviewsaretakenintoaccount
• Feedbackrequestedonaregularbasise.g.termlyquestionnaires.• Clearprocessforparents/carerstooffersuggestions.• Clearprocesstomakeacomplaint.
• Wholeschoolsurveys,includingsamplese.g.yeargroups, parents/carersofnewintakeorattransition. • Home-schoolagreementsarereviewedandupdated.
• Wholeschoolsurveyswithfocusgroupsthatincludehardtoreachparents/carers,newparents/carers,parents/carersthathavehadadifficultrelationshipwiththeschool.
• Parents/carersareinvolvedinanumberofcurricularareasintheschoole.g.practicalcookery,physicalactivity,careertalks.
• Parent/carersurveystofindoutwhenitismostconvenienttohavemeetings,andofferarangeoftimestosuitallparents/carers.
• Creativeuseofhomeworkdiariestoallowparents/carerstogiveregularfeedback.
• Home-schoolagreementisadynamicchangingdocumentandcommitment,andformsakeyfocusinengagingparents/carersintheschool.
Parents/carersareinformed • Regularschoollettertoparents/carerse.g.withadedicatedsectionforthe NationalHealthySchoolsProgramme.• Allmaterialsenttoparents/carerssuchasnewsletters,prospectusesand lettersareaccessible,easytoreadandinappropriatelanguages.• Clearpointofcontactforparents/carers,whentheycomeintoorcontact schoolbytelephone.• Schoolreceptionareaiswelcomingtoallparents/carers.• Regularreportingofachildoryoungperson’sprogress.• Schoolhasaprogrammeofeventsthatisofferedatdifferenttimesinthe schooldaytocaterforshiftandotherworkingpatterns.• Arecordiskeptoftheinformationsharedwithparents/carers.• Invitationtoparents/carerstovisittheschoolbeforetheirchildstartsin receptionandonanongoingbasis.• Informationleafletthatdescribesthecurriculum.
• Wellpublishedschoolletteramendedasaresultof feedbackfromparents/carers. • Theuseofsuggestionsboxesor“surgeries”toseekviews fromparents/carersthatarelessvocal. • Accesstoahighqualityinteractivewebsite. • Offerofopendoorsessionsonaregularbasis. • Schooltriesarangeofcommunicationtechniquese.g.website, textanddesktopalertstokeepparents/carersinformed. • Seeksfeedbackonthereportingprocessandmakes relevantamendmentsbasedonit. • ReviewswhethertheinformationontopicssuchasSexand RelationshipEducationissharedwithparents/carersand hasbeeneffectiveinsupportingdiscussionswiththeirchildren. • Anopportunitytohearfromteachersaboutthecurriculum fortheyear. • Termly/annualcalendarofeventsproducedforparents/ carersthatisalsoplacedontheschoolwebsite.
• WellpublishedschoolletterwithNationalHealthySchoolsProgrammesectionthathaschangedinformatandcontentasaresultofparental/carerfeedbackandperhapsdesignedbychildrenandyoungpeople.
• Informationprovidedthatparents/carershaveaskedfor,wellinadvanceofthedate.
• Regularremindersofkeyeventse.g.throughfollowuptextmessages.• Parent/carerroomorareawithinschoolthatiswelcomingand
providesaccesstotheschool’swebsiteandICT.• Anopportunitytoobservetheclassandattendjointchildand parent/carersessions.• Anopportunityasaparent/carertogivefeedbacktotheschooloutside
oftheparent/carereveninge.g.adrop-insessionwithgovernors.Thefeedbackisthenacteduponinaconstructivemanner.
• SchoolachievestheLeadingParent/CarerPartnershipAward.
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