Hanna BeechHanna Beech has been teaching for ten years and has a range of experience across Key Stages 1 and 2 in a large Primary School in Kent. She is a phase leader for Years 3 and 4, and also leads on teaching and learning for… Read more about Hanna BeechHow can you improve relationships with parents?Strong relationships with parents is crucial and better home-school relationships ‘oils the machine’ and makes life easier for all involved. Try these six speedy ways to develop stronger connections with your pupils’ parents.1. Be visibleBeing available ensures parents can approach you if they so wish. So, make yourself visible not invisible! Make sure you are around during key transition times is vital.2. Focus on the goodEnsure that their child’s successes are celebrated and communicated regularly and effectively. Use a mixture of face to face, phone call, letter or email as options!3. Explain your actionsIf you need to inform parents of a concern, be ready to share your actions for improving the situation. This avoids the conversation becoming a ‘moan’.4. ChatHolding regular informal conversations with parents can help foster better relationships.5. Empathise with parentsSpend a short time reflecting on how a parent might be feeling. Show them you understand and can relate.6. Connect over caringYou can show how much you care by regularly reaching out and sharing your concerns, experiences, stories and news.Top TipSo, why do this? Read ‘Working with parents to support children’s learning’ by the Education Endowment Foundation to explore research around developing parental engagement.Related
