Inclusive school communities

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

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.

From the optimism of the 1967 Plowden Report to today’s more complex dynamics, the relationship between schools and parents has shifted dramatically. This edition of the &Parents Byline explores how we moved from deference to dialogue, why some educators long for the days of automatic respect, and what it takes to rebuild trust in 2025. Thought-provoking, grounded, and timely, this is a must-read for anyone working with families in schools.

End-of-year surveys are everywhere — but collecting feedback isn’t the same as using it. This edition explores how schools can move beyond token gestures to build real trust with families. It looks at what happens when parent feedback is ignored, and what’s possible when it’s acted on. From everyday conversations to “You said, we did” reports, small shifts in how schools listen can lead to stronger relationships and better outcomes for students.

Instead of labelling families as “hard to reach,” schools must examine how their own systems create barriers to engagement. True partnership means shifting from token consultation to shared decision-making and building trust through culturally responsive, reciprocal relationships. The challenge isn’t getting parents to try harder; it’s making schools more reachable.

In our latest article, we explore how Education Scotland’s How Good Is Our School? (HGIOS4) framework and the Scottish Government’s policies emphasize parental involvement in school improvement. By positioning parents as active partners, these frameworks help create sustainable partnerships that improve student outcomes. Learn how Scotland’s approach can offer valuable lessons for educators worldwide in fostering meaningful parent-school collaboration.

This article analyses the Council of International Schools (CIS) accreditation standards to assess how they define and promote the role of parents and carers in international schools. It highlights expectations around home–school partnerships, communication, safeguarding, and parent engagement, offering practical insight for school leaders.

The IB expects schools to build genuine partnerships with parents and legal guardians. Across all programmes, parents must be informed, involved, and treated as key stakeholders. Strong communication, clear policy sharing, and active engagement are not optional extras, they are essential to how IB schools are meant to operate every day.

You don’t need to be a teacher to make a powerful difference in your child’s learning. This article explores how genuine parental engagement, through everyday moments and strong home-school partnerships, can boost motivation, confidence, and academic success. Discover what works, what doesn’t, and how schools and families can work together to support every learner.

Effective school-parent communication is essential for student success, but too often, it only reaches the loudest voices. This blog explores how schools can build inclusive communication strategies that engage all families, regardless of background. Discover practical tools, real-world examples, and expert insights to help your school improve parent engagement, strengthen relationships, and create a more equitable learning environment.