Building Strong Foundations

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

Six school students holding flags of different countries

CIS accreditation and parents: What every school leader needs to know.

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.

Euan

Apr 3010 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

High school students working on a project.

Framework Focus: Parents in the IB Programmes.

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.

Euan

Apr 2816 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

🎥 'Talking Heads': &Parents on Leading Parent-School Collaboration in Education

It was a real pleasure to speak with Stephen Newlin from Business Gateway East Lothian for their latest ' Talking Heads ' episode,...

Euan

Apr 101 min read

Two groups face off across a white barrier outside a brick school. "SCHOOL" sign above. People show serious expressions.

Bridging the gap: Improving parent-school interactions for better student outcomes.

This article breaks down why parent-school interactions are essential, what gets in the way, and how schools can help to fix it.

Euan

Apr 38 min read