All Posts

This article sets out the case for investment in parent–school partnerships, drawing on evidence, including the EEF Toolkit, linking this work to around +4 months of additional progress. It shows how one twilight funds a co-led, measurable start you can track against your own data.

Parents want partnership, not platitudes, on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Drawing on responses from 5,866 parents, this article sets out the strain: one in three has requested assessment; 58% report long waits; 1.6 million children have needs only partly met; lessons disrupted for 2.9 million. It offers practical, low cost changes schools can act on now: clearer behaviour, early classroom adjustments, regular check ins, and action on the income gap.

Attendance follows trust and support, not blame. The piece challenges the "parents must do more" line and focuses on what moves attendance now. You get a brief read on the data and actions for schools: humane calls home, breakfast without hoops, travel help, same day wellbeing triage, phased returns, and a named adult at the gate. Parents are partners. Schools are anchors. Choose one action and start this week.

Most teachers enter the classroom with training in pedagogy, assessment, and safeguarding, but not in how to work with parents. This article explores why parent-school partnerships are essential to student success and teacher wellbeing, and argues that training in family engagement must become a core part of Initial Teacher Education.

What if school absence isn’t about defiance, but disconnection? This article challenges the rise in punitive attendance measures and explores how broken trust between families and schools is driving the crisis. With insights from policy, parents and practice, it asks: are we punishing families when we should be listening to them? Read on to understand why connection, not compliance, is key to getting children back into school.

RSHE in England is changing again. The latest DfE guidance puts new weight on tackling misogyny and online influence, while making transparency with parents non-negotiable. But how do schools engage families in this sensitive and often polarising work? This post explores how real parent–school collaboration can make RSHE more effective, inclusive and values-led, without losing sight of statutory responsibilities.

As SEND reforms stir concern across England, parents and schools find themselves navigating uncertainty together. This thought-leadership piece from &Parents explores why parental voice must be central to any changes in support for children with special educational needs. Drawing on research from leading education scholars and current campaigns like Save Our Children’s Rights, it highlights how schools and families can strengthen partnerships to protect every child's right to

The summer break often leads to lost learning, but strong school–parent partnerships can make all the difference. Explore recent research on how effective collaboration with families can reduce the summer slide, keep students engaged, and ensure they return in September ready to thrive.

This article explores how well we’re preparing teachers to build strong partnerships with parents. Drawing on recent research and real classroom pressures, it asks: are we setting teachers up to succeed in one of the most important aspects of their role? With insights into teacher training, school leadership, and practical support, this piece offers timely reflection for anyone serious about strengthening parent-school collaboration.