Parents as partners28 April 2012

Trial and Error• Family Learning• Education Action Zones (5 Lambeth Nurseries in pilot ‘97)• Surestart• Parenting Early Intervention Programme• Think Family

Agenda• Why bother working with parents?• Barriers to working with parents• What does partnership mean? • Top tips for working with parents

research

The influence of the home is 'enduring, pervasive and direct'• What parents do at home has a significant positive effect on

children's achievement and adjustment even after all other factors shaping attainment have been taken out of the equation.

• Children gain skills at home, but also absorb a positive attitude to, and enthusiasm for, learning.

• Parental involvement has a positive impact across all ethnic groups and social classes.

• In the primary age range, parental involvement has a greater impact on achievement than the quality of the school.

• Desforges, 2003

Skills Attitudes Values

Desforges

What makes the difference?

impact

It is possible to change thehome learning environment through:• building a positive relationship between parents and

settings that increase access and willingness to engage with support services

• engaging parents in activities that will develop their understanding, skills and knowledge and

• have an impact on their own attitudes to learning and• raise aspirations not just for their child but the family

Parents report improvements in• mental health• levels of isolation through making friends and being part

of groups• relationships with their child’s educators and professionals

generally• self-confidence in their broader role as parent• improved self-esteem• knowledge and understanding of children’s development• knowledge of activities to help their child

What can change in the home?• More active involvement with children• More communicating with and listening to children• Warmer, more positive relationships• Broader understanding of parenting responsibilities• More confidence in own parenting role and skills (a crucial

indicator of children reaching their potential)• Improved behaviour in children• Improved enthusiasm of child to attending learning setting• Changes to daily practice – more joint family activities,

less television

barriers

Tips for engaging parents• Shift focus for invitations to helping their children learn,

rather than on generic parenting skills, can lessen the feelings of inadequacy that may prevent parents seeking help

• Recognising parents' expertise in their own children and lives is crucial – dialogue should be 2 way. Parents are not ‘empty vessels’ any more than children.

• Show an interest in parents as people not parents, and in their lives (they have a name beyond ‘Aasha’s mum’).

Help? Toolbox offer:• Website will hold detailed presentation for you to take to

others• Top tips sheets• Links to research• Contact for advice and guidance• Training opportunities• Newsletter

5 pilot nurseries now

www.toolboxlondon.org

contact@toolboxlondon.org