Effective communities thrive on effective networks made up of relationships that are built on trust, respect and open communication (Harris et al. 2009; Poutaka (2009). Additionally,providing opportunities for parents to meet in non-threatening informal environments helps to seed fertile ground for more structured occasions like Academic Counselling. Schools can be instrumental towards encouraging parents to network with each other which also helps to build a supportive community where there are many common denominators Biddulph (2003). The establishment of a PTA (Parent Teachers Association) group and parent representatives at theschool could help bring people together with a common interest and for a common good.

Andrew-Power, and Goodall (2009) tell us that often parents don’t realise how important theyare to their child’s education. Raising awareness with parents about how they can help will make a considerable difference to improving their child’s attendance, attitude, behaviour and attainment Hornby and Lafaele (2011). Consequently providing regular information to parents about progress is fundamental to opening the communication lines. According to Hornby and Witte 2010; Harris, Biddulph et al. 2003 parents are often an underutilised resource. The key to get them involved is communication.

Enabling as many parents as possible to access information is an important first principle of parental engagement. If you are not communicating with parents effectively, how can they engage?
Harris, Andrew-Power, and Goodall (2009, pg.31)

Extract from a paper I wrote for my Post Graduate Diploma in E-Learning and Digital Technologies Parental Partnerships