Parental engagement is one of the biggest drivers of pupil success, but it’s also one of the hardest things to get right. Too often, schools and parents find themselves out of sync – expecting different things from each other and not always communicating clearly.
There’s a long-term issue at play here. The ‘social contract’ between schools and families has shifted. In some cases, it’s frayed altogether. This isn’t about blame – it’s about recognising the challenge and actively working to build stronger, more inclusive relationships with parents.
Engagement looks different for every family
The first step is recognising that not all support is visible. Parents may be helping with learning at home in ways that schools don’t see or acknowledge. On the flip side, schools might assume a level of involvement or understanding that hasn’t been clearly explained.
Language and culture also play a role. Some families face barriers that make traditional forms of engagement – like Parents’ Evenings – difficult. Others may have different values or expectations around parenting and education. If schools don’t take time to understand this, miscommunication and frustration can follow.
Practical ways to improve parental engagement
So what can schools do to improve the picture? The most successful schools take a proactive and inclusive approach. They make an effort to understand how parents interact with their children’s learning – and they offer support that meets families where they are.
Here are some ideas that can make a big difference:
1. Flexible Parents’ Evenings
Offer a mix of in-person and online appointments. Not all parents can make it to school at standard times, or have their own reasons for being uncomfortable with coming into school. Video or phone calls can open up new opportunities for meaningful conversations.
2. Translation tools
Use tools like Groupcall to automatically translate school messages when sending texts or emails. You can also offer translation support at Parents’ Evenings or key meetings to help families feel included and informed.
3. Clear direction on how to help
Parents often want to help – they just don’t always know how. Provide simple, clear overviews of what’s being taught each term so they can support their child with relevant topics at home.
4. Get children involved
Sometimes the best way to reach parents is through their children. Create activities that encourage pupils to share what they’re learning or teach something to their parents at home. This can strengthen the learning process and bring families closer together.
5. Share lesson videos
Short videos showing how key skills like reading or maths are taught in school can help parents support the same methods at home. These can be shared via school apps or websites.
6. Host Parent Information Evenings
Go beyond the standard Parents’ Evening. Use informal sessions to talk through expectations, explain school routines, and open up discussion about key topics like behaviour, attendance or homework.
7. Collect feedback
It’s vital to simply ask parents what they need. What types of support would be most helpful? What barriers are they facing? A simple survey or discussion group can offer valuable insights and show parents that their views matter.
Why it all matters
When schools invest in meaningful parental engagement, the benefits are clear. Pupils are more likely to come to school on time, behave well in class, complete homework, and feel more confident in their learning. Teachers see better preparedness, stronger home support, and smoother classroom routines.
And for parents, it builds trust – showing that the school values them as partners in their child’s education. By meeting families halfway and recognising the diverse ways they contribute, schools can create stronger, more inclusive communities where everyone thrives.