Working with Parents

Working with parents is an integral part of all practitioners’ work. The Government recognises the crucial role of parents, carers and families in improving the five outcomes for children and young people identified in the Every Child Matters framework.

The importance of working effectively with parents is highlighted in the following quote from the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA):

"Parents are a child’s first teacher. They play a crucial role in helping their children learn. Children achieve more when schools and parents work together."

This section aims to support practitioners in working effectively with parents and also provides practitioners with information and resources that can be used to support parents, carers and families. To aid clarity, the information is presented under two main headings:

Information and resources to support parents

• Publications

• Family learning courses

• Family support programmes available at Children Centres

• Children’s Information Service and Children’s Directory

Information to support staff in working with parents

• Publications

• Ideas for good practice

• Register of good practice

• Relevant training

• Useful contacts