Why parents matter.

parent
noun

any individual with a significant caring responsibility for a child, including grandparents, foster carers, other family members or caregivers
the best lever we have for school improvement

Parents play a pivotal role in shaping the educational experiences and outcomes of children. Their involvement, engagement, and participation contribute to fostering a collaborative ecosystem that enhances student success and strengthens school communities. Below, we explore why parent-school interactions matter, drawing on research and leading thinkers in the field. While the vast majority of research has taken place in physical schools, research continues to emerge regarding online school settings. This is a field proudly contributed to by &Parents.

What does &Parents mean by 'parent-school interactions'?

Parental involvement.

Parental involvement refers to basic interactions between parents and schools, such as attending parent-teacher meetings or responding to school communications. This relationship is often unidirectional from schools to parents, and focused on supporting school-led initiatives.

Parental engagement.

Parental engagement is centred on parents actively contributing to their child's learning, such as helping with homework or discussing academic aspirations. Engagement is characterised by a collaborative partnership where parents and schools work together to enhance the student’s educational experience and outcomes.

Parental participation.

Parental participation goes a step further, encompassing parents' influence on school decision-making processes and governance. This level of interaction positions parents as co-creators in shaping school policies and practices, fostering a more equitable distribution of agency and shared responsibility.

What are the benefits?

The active involvement, engagement, and participation of parents in education yield far-reaching benefits that extend beyond academic success. Research consistently shows that when parents collaborate with schools and support their children's learning, the outcomes are transformative. From enhancing academic achievement to fostering social and emotional development, the partnership between parents and educators plays a crucial role in shaping a child's educational journey. Below are the key benefits of meaningful parent-school interactions.

Enhancing academic achievement.

Parental engagement in children's learning fosters better academic outcomes through improved understanding and retention of knowledge. Research demonstrates that active parental participation can transcend socioeconomic barriers, acting as an equaliser in academic success.

Building holistic partnerships.

A continuum of parental involvement to engagement encourages a shift towards empowering parents as active partners in their children’s education. This partnership fosters shared responsibility between schools and families, creating a more supportive learning environment.

Promoting social and

emotional wellbeing.

Beyond academics, parents play a critical role in fostering their children’s emotional and social development. Their involvement supports resilience, self-efficacy, and overcoming challenges like math anxiety, helping students thrive even in challenging subjects.

Bridging the

communication gap.

Effective communication between parents and schools is pivotal. Moving beyond one-way communication to establish meaningful dialogue fosters inclusivity and ensures responsiveness to parental concerns. The use of technology can significantly enhance these communication channels, especially in online education.

Empowering leadership and

school culture.

Parent-school interactions are a leadership imperative. Schools that prioritise authentic parent-school interactions build cultures of trust and collaboration, benefiting all stakeholders. Leadership focused on engaging parents can transform school culture and create environments conducive to student success.

Fostering lifelong

learning attitudes.

Parents and teachers shape children’s attitudes toward education by modelling curiosity and determination, fostering a love for lifelong learning. Their encouragement helps children embrace challenges, building confidence and essential skills like critical thinking and self-motivation for future success.

What does the research say?

85%

of parents want to play an active role in their child’s education.

64%

of parents reported that their child’s school engages with the local community.

76%

expressed a desire to have a say at the school level regarding decisions affecting their child's education.

65%

are aware of having parent representatives on governing bodies, despite this being a legal requirement (in the UK).

The data above is taken from the Parentkind Annual Parent Survey 2022. (n=3000).

Empowering parents with a voice—allowing them input on school matters and involvement in decision-making on issues that affect them—helps schools better address the needs of the communities they serve. Since most school policies directly impact families, considering the perspectives of all families within the community enhances their effectiveness.

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