Fostering Strong Home-School Partnership in Primary Schools
In the world of education, the importance of strong home-school partnerships cannot be overstated. Home-school partnerships involve collaborative working relationships between families and schools. Collaborative efforts between parents and educators have a profound impact on a pupils’ academic success and overall well-being. Ofsted evaluates schools on parent engagement under leadership and management and has found the most effective schools work in partnership with parents.
The Significance of Home-School Partnerships
A pupils' journey through primary school is not solely within the walls of the classroom. It's a shared endeavour between teaching staff and parents. Recent research underscores the positive influence of home-school partnerships on a pupils' learning and development. When parents are actively engaged in their child's education, pupils tend to have better attendance, improved behaviour, and higher academic achievement. Here are 4 aspects to foster the Home-School Partnership in primary schools.
Empowering Parents Through Information
It is crucial to empower parents with the information and resources they need to actively participate in their child's education. This includes:
1. Parent Workshops: Many primary schools now offer workshops on topics such as curriculum, assessment, and homework guidance. These workshops demystify the educational process and provide parents with tools to support their child's learning at home. Our trust schools have numerous parental workshops throughout the year. These include Inspire sessions for specific subjects, e-Safety workshops and Art workshops where parents and reception pupils can work together on projects.
2. Regular Updates: Use different communication channels with parents, such as newsletters, emails, social media, dedicated apps and face-to-face meeting, ensure that parents are well-informed about school events, policies, and their child's progress. “Parents Evenings” occur once a term at Colmers Farm Primary School. Excelsior MAT believes that a strong home school relationship is vital for a child to reach their potential so we aim to speak to every parent at these.
3. Access to Educational Resources: Schools provide parents with access to a wealth of educational resources, such as learning games and activities, both online and in print. These resources cover a wide range of subjects and are designed to facilitate learning at home.
4. Open House Events: Schools often organise open house events where parents can meet teachers, explore the learning environment, and gain insights into their child's daily experiences at school.
Involving Parents in Decision-Making
Parental involvement in school decision-making processes can help to have a stronger Home-School Partnership. This can take the form of:
1. Parent Councils and PTA: Many primary schools establish parent councils that meet regularly to discuss school policies, activities, and initiatives. Parents have a voice in shaping the educational environment. Out schools’ PTA organises a range of event throughout the year.
2. Survey and Feedback Mechanisms: Schools solicit feedback from parents through surveys and questionnaires, allowing them to express their opinions and suggestions on school improvement plan.
3. Parent Ambassadors: Some schools appoint parent ambassadors who act as liaisons between the school and other parents, ensuring that concerns and opinions can be heard and addressed.
Parent-Teacher Collaboration
Collaboration between parents and teachers is at the heart of recent initiatives to foster home-school partnerships. This includes:
1. Parent-Teacher Conferences: Regular conferences provide parents with the opportunity to discuss their child's progress, strengths, and areas for improvement.
2. Pupil-Led Conferences: Some schools encourage pupils to take an active role in their conferences, allowing them to share their achievements and set goals.
3. Homework Support: Teachers offer guidance to parents on how to effectively support their child with homework, balancing support with fostering independence.
4. Community Events: Develop a culture of parent volunteering and provide training if needed. Consider ways in which you can open up your school to community events, to provide more opportunities for who want to contribute in different ways.
Celebrating Achievements
Recognising and celebrating the successes of home-school partnerships is an integral part of recent initiatives. Schools acknowledge and appreciate parents' involvement in various ways, such as awards, appreciation events, and highlighting success stories such as learning, attendance and behaviour.