Parental participation

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.

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.

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.