Parental engagement in learning

Parents and schools: partners in safeguarding children’s rights and wellbeing.

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

Euan

Jul 108 min read

How school–parent partnerships can combat the summer slide.

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.

Euan

Jul 36 min read

Teacher training students learning about parent-teacher partnerships

How Do We Better Prepare Teachers to Facilitate Effective Parent-School Partnerships?

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.

Euan

Jun 258 min read

The power of parent partnerships in Scottish schools: A deep dive into Education Scotland’s frameworks.

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.

Euan

May 114 min read

Photo collage of primary students, secondary students learning, teachers meeting, and a family reading with their child.

Framework focus: What Ofsted’s standards really say about parents and carers.

This article examines how Ofsted’s inspection framework positions parents and carers, the extent to which parental engagement is embedded into inspection processes, and whether proposed changes in 2025 truly address past concerns. It invites teachers and leaders to reflect on whether parent partnerships are consistently lived out beyond compliance.

Euan

Apr 2913 min read

Two parents supporting their child to learning. Sitting at table with colouring pencils.

Learning is a team effort. And every parent matters.

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.

Euan

Apr 2415 min read