As the new school year begins, parents entrust their children into their chosen educational establishment. Irrespective of the type of school that a child attends, it is important for all those involved that expectations are met, and both parents and schools work together collaboratively.
All parents want their children to be safe, happy and, ultimately, successfully educated. However, it is important that the school experience for children is so much more. Ultimately, this approach leads to a successful school experience, resulting in curious, engaged, communicative and lifelong learners.
As an educationalist, experience and research has shown that it is only in true collaboration between schools and parents that the optimum teaching and learning for children can take place. This is what makes the difference between an average school and an outstanding school, irrespective of the type of school that children attend.
Exceptional schools are in tune with all aspects of a parentās expectations and are friendly and welcoming learning environments where all can contribute. I always advise parents to work closely with their childās school and to not hesitate in making clear their expectations, whist at the same time feeling involved and valued.
Parents have the right for their expectations to be met and outstanding schools do this in one keyway.
Communication is the absolute key to meeting parentsā goals for their childrenās schooling.
Schools that communicate effectively with parents in a variety of ways, from emails, learning hubs, telephone calls to regular one to one meeting, are the schools that have the highest achieving students.
These schools know both their pupils and parents well. They work together to ensure effective teaching and learning can take place and childrenās well-being is at the centre of all pedagogy.
It is a parentsā right to be informed about what is happening in their childās school life, both pastorally and academically. Parents that are well informed can and do support all aspects of schooling.
It is always surprising when I meet new parents or parents approach me for advice when they talk about feeling disconnected from their childās school, that they canāt get face-to-face appointments to see their childās teacher, or that their children are in exam years, and they donāt feel informed or involved.
Communication is key. I always begin our sessions by talking about what their expectations of a school should be. At times parents seem hesitant to cause a fuss or donāt want to be seen as a bother!
The ultimate goal is to provide the best educational experience for your child. It is always acceptable to contact a school directly, ask to be better informed or for a one-to-one meeting to understand your childās learning programme. Your school should be providing this information as standard.
It is of the utmost importance that, as a parent, you feel that your voice is heard with respect to your childās education, and it is always acceptable to want to be informed about your childās schooling. Parents should feel in control. I always encourage those I meet with to communicate openly with their school about all matters. If you feel that the school needs to keep you better informed, other parents will no doubt feel the same, so let the school know. As a parent, you have the right to meet with your childās teachers or the Head of School. Donāt be afraid to do this.
Strong communication is essential in all aspects of life. It is crucial that schools and parents work together to engender a sense of positivity, support, safety and collaboration to ensure that all children have the optimum learning environment. Schools and parents both have a responsibility to work together to achieve this.
Ā Communication: the human connection is the key to effective schooling.
By Penelope Best,
International Education Consultant
