healthier living & learning engaging parents and carers · healthier living & learning ......

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

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Pupil Identity

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Personal, Social& Health Education

Emotional Health& WellBeing

HealthyEating

PhysicalActivity

Beyond NationalHealthy School Status

WholeSchool

Approach

healthy eating

Theme Name



Physical activity


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Pupil Identity

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HealthyEating

PhysicalActivity


healthy eating

Theme Name



Physical activity


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Pupil Identity

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HealthyEating

PhysicalActivity


healthy eating

Theme Name



Physical activity


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Pupil Identity

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HealthyEating

PhysicalActivity


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.

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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



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�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.


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.


Targetedtospecificgroupsofparent/carerse.g.hardtoreachfamilies

Outreachwork Outreachworkisparticularlysuccessfulinengaging someofthehardtoreachfamilies.

• awidegroupofschool-basedstaffandvisitingprofessionalsactivelyaim toengagehardtoreachparents/carers• schoolnurseandotherstaffareinvolvedinengagingtargetedfamiliesin physicalactivities• protocolsexistforinformationsharing• qualitytrainingisinplaceforstafftakingpartinthisworkincludinghealthand safetyprocedures• evaluationfeedbackissoughtfromparents/carers.


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.


Allparents/carers JointlyorganisingworkshopsonthefourcorethemeswithintheNationalHealthySchoolsProgramme

Jointorganisationanddeliverywillensurethat parents/carerswillhaveamoredetailedunderstanding oftheNationalHealthySchoolsProgrammeandthe roletheycanplayinsupportingit.

• aprogrammeofworkshopsforparents/carersisorganisedacrosstheschoolyearwitheachofthefourNHSPcorethemesrepresented

• optionsinrelationtoschoolpolicyandpracticearediscussedanddecisionsmadee.g.SchoolTravelPlans.


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.


Alloraselectedcross-sectionofparents/carers Reviewingand/ordevelopingpoliciese.g.wholeschoolFoodPolicy,BehaviourPolicyorDrugEducationPolicy

Parents/carershaveahigherdegreeof understandingoftherationale,purposeand operationalarrangementsofdeliveringand implementingkeypoliciesintheschool.

• parents/carershavebeenfullyinvolvedinthepolicydevelopment• theyhaveinfluencedthepolicyformationandaresupportingitsdelivery• parents/carersarechampionsofpoliciesrelatedtotheNationalHealthySchools

Programme.


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




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.


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.


Targetedtospecificgroupsofparent/carerse.g.hardtoreachfamilies

Outreachwork Outreachworkisparticularlysuccessfulinengaging someofthehardtoreachfamilies.

• awidegroupofschool-basedstaffandvisitingprofessionalsactivelyaim toengagehardtoreachparents/carers• schoolnurseandotherstaffareinvolvedinengagingtargetedfamiliesin physicalactivities• protocolsexistforinformationsharing• qualitytrainingisinplaceforstafftakingpartinthisworkincludinghealthand safetyprocedures• evaluationfeedbackissoughtfromparents/carers.


Allparents/carers Parent/carersurvey Parent/carersurveycanprovideinvaluable quantitativeandqualitativedata.

• surveysarecompletedonaregularbasisandparents/carersareencouraged torespondhonestly• responseratesarehighandactionistakenbasedonthefeedback• findingsandanalysisisfedbacktoparents/carers.


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.


Allparents/carers JointlyorganisingworkshopsonthefourcorethemeswithintheNationalHealthySchoolsProgramme

Jointorganisationanddeliverywillensurethat parents/carerswillhaveamoredetailedunderstanding oftheNationalHealthySchoolsProgrammeandthe roletheycanplayinsupportingit.

• aprogrammeofworkshopsforparents/carersisorganisedacrosstheschoolyearwitheachofthefourNHSPcorethemesrepresented

• optionsinrelationtoschoolpolicyandpracticearediscussedanddecisionsmadee.g.SchoolTravelPlans.


Allparents/carers AjointlyorganisedfocusgroupononeofthefourcorethemeswithintheNationalHealthySchoolsProgramme

Jointproductionofahealthsurveyforchildrenand youngpeopleonhealthylifestyleswillraiseparents’/ carers’knowledgeofthethemeandawarenessof theimplicationsfortheirchildren.

• regularsurveysarecompletedonperceptionsofbullyingandtheeffectivenessofanti-bullyingstrategies

• focusgroupofchildrenandyoungpeopleaskedtocommentonschoolprocessese.g.lunch-timeexperience,physicalactivitiesofferedbytheschool

• effectiveschoolcouncilinplacewhichgivesreportstobothstaffandparents/carers.


Selectedyeargroups After-schoolphysicalactivityprogramme Ahighlevelofparticipationatallstageswillensure thesuccessoftheprogrammeandensurethatitis responsivetoparent/carerneeds.

• parents/carersarefullyinvolvedindevisinganddeliveringafullphysicalactivityprogramme

• thecontentanddeliveryoftheprogrammeisamendedbasedonfeedbackfromparents/carers.


Alloraselectedcross-sectionofparents/carers Reviewingand/ordevelopingpoliciese.g.wholeschoolFoodPolicy,BehaviourPolicyorDrugEducationPolicy

Parents/carershaveahigherdegreeof understandingoftherationale,purposeand operationalarrangementsofdeliveringand implementingkeypoliciesintheschool.

• parents/carershavebeenfullyinvolvedinthepolicydevelopment• theyhaveinfluencedthepolicyformationandaresupportingitsdelivery• parents/carersarechampionsofpoliciesrelatedtotheNationalHealthySchools

Programme.


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


• 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


• 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.

Ref:EngagingParentsandCarersv.0.1/6/08/ICE6461Designed&producedby www.icecreates.com& www.mouchelparkman.com

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