2010 saw the publication of ‘Leadership for Parental Engagement’, a report by the National College for Leadership of Schools and Children’s Services, based on research in 92 primary, secondary and special schools and early years settings.
The fundamental conclusion of the report was that it is not always easy for parents and educators to work together on an equal basis, but that where this does happen the benefits can be immense:
“Where child learning becomes family learning, and where educators understand that they cannot meet the needs of children and young people alone, true engagement and shared understanding are developed.”
So what are the key features of leadership and management that contribute to successful parent partnership? The report highlights the following:
- Vision, values, culture and strategic direction: When in place and effectively shared, these enable sustainable practice to be developed that is mainstream, not bolted on.
- Leadership of parental engagement: Not only by the headteacher and senior staff, but enabling all staff and also parents to develop their leadership skills.
- Parental engagement in practice: The critical thread is the identification of local need, the creation of practice that is focused on solutions that fit the context and a strong sense of partnership – working with parents not doing to them.
- Collaborative work beyond the school, centre and cluster: Creating effective external partnerships that have a real impact on the life chances of children and families.
- Sustainability: Developing and sustaining parental engagement as part of the bigger picture of collaborative working.
If you want understand more about effective leadership for parental engagement, this insightful report is well worth reading.
If you’d like practical support in putting it into practice, the LPPA Programme can help.
