The school-parent conversation: what works and why it matters.

Euan
Apr 16
6 min read

When schools and parents communicate well, students thrive.

But not all communication is created equal. In some schools, a small number of parents at one end of the scale who have a tendency to dominate the conversation. Others stay silent, not because they don’t care, but because the system isn’t built for them. True communication is not about who shouts the loudest. It is about making space for every voice.

In this blog, we explore how schools can create inclusive, effective communication strategies that reach and reflect the entire parent community. We offer practical steps and proven insights that help ensure no one is left out of the conversation.

Why the parent-school conversation matters.

Communication builds trust. Trust builds relationships. And relationships drive student success.

When schools communicate clearly, respectfully, and consistently, parents are more likely to engage. Students feel supported both at home and at school.

Research backs this up. Kraft and Dougherty found that regular teacher-family communication improved home learning completion, class participation, and student motivation. Hill and Tyson’s meta-analysis showed that parental engagement is one of the most powerful factors in student achievement, especially in the middle years.

But ineffective communication leads to confusion and exclusion. When schools rely on a single mode or assume parents will speak up when there’s a problem, they unintentionally shut out many families. Language barriers, cultural norms, busy schedules, and lack of confidence can all silence voices that need to be heard.

Inclusive communication is not just good practice. It is a matter of equity.

The characteristics of effective communication.

The best school-parent communication is not reactive or one-sided. It is intentional and inclusive.

It is built around five essential qualities:

Clear: Use simple language and avoid jargon.
Concise: Keep it focused and to the point.
Consistent: Communicate regularly, not only when there is a problem.
Courteous: Be respectful, warm, and open-minded.
Constructive: Focus on shared goals and practical solutions.

Equally important is the principle of two-way communication. Parents should not only receive information but also be invited to share feedback, ideas, and concerns that they can be confident will be authentically taken onboard and acted upon.

As Epstein’s research shows, real collaboration happens when parents are treated as equal partners in their child’s education. That means making it safe and easy for all families, not only the most confident or vocal, to be heard.

Strategies that work.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Effective communication strategies use a range of tools, formats, and timings to meet the needs of diverse families.

Digital tools

Emails are efficient for day-to-day updates. Be intentional with these. Without coordination, parents can feel overwhelmed with the number of emails, and switch off altogether.
Parent portals offer structured access to grades, timetables, and announcements. Following up with parents who have not logged in, or who do not login regularly to boost engagement.
Apps can help build connection through images, videos, and messages. As with the parent portal functions, ensuring follow-up with those not engaging is key.

Personal interaction

Parent-teacher meetings are essential for discussing progress. These are typically in-person; however, switching to remote meetings, or offering an office hour-type structure can provide greater flexibility and accessibility.
Home visits can build trust, especially in underrepresented communities. Permissibility of this can differ between authorities and countries. It can also depend on staff resourcing.
Informal conversations during pick-up or school events foster stronger relationships too.

Written communication

Newsletters keep families up to date and should be visually engaging and inclusive. Again, manage parental expectations with these in terms of content and frequency. Be consistent.
Reports should use clear, accessible language with opportunities for parent response. Parents should be aware of report structures e.g. who is the report addressed to? What format do the comments take? What do the grades mean?
Personal notes show care and connection, especially when highlighting student success. Some schools adopt the use of certificates or postcards.

Inclusive practices

This is where many schools fall short. To be inclusive, communication must be designed to reach everyone, not just the easiest to reach.

Know your audience and their preferences on communication.
Translate key materials into the languages used by families in the community.
Offer digital alternatives for families without or limited internet access.
Use audio or video messages for those who may struggle with written literature.
Check assumptions about who is reading and responding to school communication.

Every parent wants the best for their child. It is our responsibility to make sure every parent has access to the information and relationships that allow them to play an active role.

Overcoming barriers.

Many parents want to engage but can face real barriers. These include:

Language or literacy difficulties
Work or caring responsibilities
A lack of confidence around education
Negative experiences with schooling. Their child may go to the same school where the experience was not overly positive for them
Cultural differences in expectations and norms around the approach to education

To overcome these, schools need to design communication with empathy and flexibility:

Offer translated materials and interpreter support. (there may even be staff members who can support with translation)
Schedule meetings at different times than typical parents' evening timings
Hold meetings and events on neutral ground, such as a community centre or local hotel conference space. This can make the environment less intimidating for parents
Provide digital skills training or printed alternatives. Videos to watch back 'on demand' are popular
Avoid educational jargon that may alienate or confuse
Invite feedback from quieter voices, not only the most visible ones

Good communication is built on respect, flexibility, and cultural awareness.

Creating a welcoming culture.

Communication is not just about tools. It is about tone. It is about culture.

Inclusive schools actively welcome all parents and carers, regardless of background. They show that every family belongs. That their contribution is valued. That this is their school too.

How can schools achieve this?

Represent the full community in displays, events, and communications
Use inclusive language that reflects and respects different family structures and cultural identities
Create space for honest dialogue, especially about things that are not working
Follow up with families who do not attend meetings or respond to messages

Leadership is key. Teacher and leaders set the tone for how communication is prioritised, modelled, and sustained. Schools with strong relationships are often those where leaders actively invest in parental engagement and treat families as allies, not outsiders.

Collaboration in action.

When parents are invited to co-design their child’s learning journey, the outcomes are profound.

Ways to Collaborate:

Invite families to help develop individual learning plans for their child.
Offer curriculum workshops so parents can see how learning happens. Can you invite them in?
Create feedback forums and parent advisory boards to inform school planning. These should be representative of the school community a school serves.
Celebrate cultural festivals and events led by parents themselves.

Collaboration is not only inclusive. It is strategic. When schools build authentic partnerships, students benefit from a joined-up approach. They feel supported, seen, and secure.

As John Hattie has noted, the most powerful predictor of student success is not any single teaching strategy—it is collective efficacy. That means educators, parents, and carers working together with shared belief and purpose.

Practical tips for everyday impact.

Here are six actions schools can take now:

For Teachers

Set clear communication expectations at the start of term. Let parents know how you'll be communicating with them and the frequency of these.
Use warm, positive, and respectful language in all exchanges.
Invite regular feedback through quick surveys, exit slips, or informal chats.

For School Leaders

Host inclusive community events that represent all cultures and voices.
Set up a diverse parent advisory group, not only those who always show up.
Provide multilingual resources and training for families to support learning at home.

These are small actions. But together, they make a big difference.

Final thoughts.

Why does the parent-school conversation matter?

Communication is not a box to tick. It is the foundation of partnership, trust, and educational success.

But to be effective, it must be inclusive. It must reach every parent and carer. It must invite participation, not solely provide information.

At &Parents, we work with schools to improve communication and engagement strategies that truly include everyone. Whether it is through consultancy, workshops, or tailored support, we help build stronger, fairer school communities.

If your school is ready to improve how it communicates with every parent, not just the loudest, let’s talk.

Together, we can make sure every voice is heard, and every student has the support they deserve.

&Parents helps schools turn parental involvement from a challenge into a strength. We provide practical support to improve communication, build trust, and create strategies that bring parents into the heart of school life.

If your school is ready to bridge the gap, we’re here to help. Get in touch with &Parents today.

References.

Epstein, J. L. (2001). School, family, and community partnerships: Preparing educators and improving schools. Westview Press.
Goodall, J., & Montgomery, C. (2014). Parental involvement to parental engagement: A continuum. Educational Review, 66(4), 399–410. https://doi.org/10.1080/00131911.2013.781576
Hattie, J. (2016). Visible learning for teachers: Maximizing impact on learning. Routledge.
Hill, N. E., & Tyson, D. F. (2009). Parental involvement in middle school: A meta-analytic assessment of the strategies that promote achievement. Developmental Psychology, 45(3), 740–763. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0015362
Kraft, M. A., & Dougherty, S. M. (2013). The effect of teacher-family communication on student engagement: Evidence from a randomized field experiment. Journal of Research on Educational Effectiveness, 6(3), 199–222. https://doi.org/10.1080/19345747.2012.743636
Olmstead, C. (2013). Using technology to increase parent involvement in schools. TechTrends, 57(6), 28–37. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-013-0699-0

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

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