5 Things Every School Can Do to Partner with Parents Better.

When you walk into a school, you can often tell within minutes if parents are genuinely part of that school community. It’s not just about the posters or displays. It’s about the people. It’s about how you’re greeted, whether someone acknowledges you, and how that moment feels. Do they recognise you? Do they take the time to say hello and help you feel like you belong?

That first moment says a lot.

Still, being parent-friendly isn’t just about that first impression. It’s about what happens every day. The routines, the systems, the priorities. The way communication is handled. The tone and accessibility of newsletters. The visibility of leaders. The way questions are answered.

So, what makes a school truly parent-friendly, and what are some practical things schools can do to get there?

1. Parent-friendly doesn’t mean saying yes to everything

Some people hear the term “parent-friendly” and think it means letting parents call the shots. But that’s not it. It’s not about giving in or trying to be popular. It’s about being respectful, clear, and open. It’s about creating a culture where parents feel they have a role, where they understand how the school works, and where their voices are heard.

Here’s what that can look like:

• Parents know who to speak to when they have a question.

• They get information in formats and languages that work for them.

• The school’s systems are explained in plain language.

• There are regular opportunities for genuine dialogue, not just updates.

This means making the invisible visible. Making expectations clear. Avoiding assumptions. And being honest when things are complex or in progress.

2. The research backs it up

There’s no shortage of evidence to show that when parents are involved, outcomes for students improve. We’re talking about higher attainment, better attendance, improved behaviour, and stronger wellbeing. It isn’t wishful thinking, it’s backed by decades of research and practical experience.

There are excellent tools already available that outline what good practice can look like. But schools often need help turning these ideas into reality. That’s where support matters. &Parents helps schools take the next step by making those frameworks work in real settings, with real families, and within the time pressures schools already face.

Time to think:

3. Good relationships need solid systems

It’s often said that relationships are everything in education. That’s true. But relationships don’t stand on their own. They need structure. They need time. They need clarity and support to grow.

Schools can have all the goodwill in the world – but without the time, space, and systems to support it, that goodwill can fade. Staff burnout is real. Families get frustrated when they don’t know what’s going on. Good intentions aren’t enough.

That’s why schools need:

• Clear plans for family engagement that link to school improvement

• Dedicated roles or time for staff to focus on family partnerships

• Professional learning that includes listening, empathy, and power-sharing

• Honest reviews of what’s getting in the way of meaningful involvement

• Communication that is regular, responsive, and values the parent’s perspective

Done well, these approaches turn relationships into real partnerships. Parents move from feeling left out to being included. From being told to being asked. From reacting to being part of the planning.

4. There’s more than one way to participate

Let’s be honest. Traditional models of parental involvement don’t work for everyone. The PTA, parents’ evenings, and bake sales suit some families. But many parents feel excluded by the structure, time, or tone of those activities.

So what else might participation look like?

• Asking parents to share feedback on school priorities in accessible ways

• Inviting input on policies like behaviour, uniform, or curriculum choices

• Creating focus groups or listening sessions to explore parents’ experiences

• Having parents involved in staff interviews or school council meetings

• Giving regular updates on how parent feedback is being used

Participation can be practical. It can be online or in-person. It can be led by parents or facilitated by staff. The point is to move from one-way communication to shared involvement.

Time to think:

5. Support helps everyone do better

Making a school more parent-friendly doesn’t mean starting from scratch. And it doesn’t have to fall on one person. But it does take commitment. It needs schools to say: this matters, and we’re going to make time for it.

Support looks different in every context. For some schools, it might mean rethinking communication methods. For others, it could be staff training or help designing a family learning programme. Sometimes, it’s just having someone to talk things through with.

That’s where &Parents comes in.

We work with schools to:

• Improve communication so families feel informed, not overwhelmed

• Deliver workshops and training to build confidence and clarity in working with parents

• Design realistic family learning that reflects the lives of actual families

• Review the school’s parent-facing systems to reduce barriers and improve access

If you’re already doing this work, you’re part of a growing movement. If you’re unsure where to begin, we’re here to help.

Parent-friendly isn’t a bonus – it’s the base.

Strong parent-school partnerships aren’t optional extras. They’re part of what makes education work. They make learning better. They make school feel safer, more inclusive, and more responsive.

If we want schools to serve all learners well, we have to start by connecting home and school in ways that are thoughtful, fair, and human.

Find out how &Parents can support your school or join the &Parents Connect professional network.

"5 Things Every School Can Do to Partner with Parents Better."

&Parents is a social enterprise committed to transforming the way schools and partner with parents.

&Parents encourages schools around the world to transform parent-school collaboration.