How primary and secondary schools help parents and carers to improve their child's learning

Evidence has shown convincingly that a parent’s or carer’s engagement plays a vital part in determining their child’s learning and development. The most effective partnerships develop when schools welcome mothers, fathers and carers as valued participants in their children’s learning and progress.

During 2008 and 2009, the DCSF supported a small-scale project to develop and share good practice in the ways schools help parents and carers to improve their child’s learning.

This guidance booklet focuses on the range of approaches used successfully by the project schools to engage parents and carers in their child’s learning. Case studies capture the true flavour of the work of the schools involved in this study.

The guidance will give schools practical ideas to inform their work with parents and carers helping to ensure they actively support their child’s learning. The publication is accompanied with a DVD providing further case studies and information.