Thoughts from a YC: Positive Parental Communication

By Sophie Nash

‘‘A school without parents at its foundation is just like a bucket with a hole in it’’

Jesse Jackson

Many of us will have walked past the above quotation on the first-floor landing and agreed with the sentiment, yet are we using parental communication to its maximum impact, and are we all completely confident in our interactions with parents? The Education Endowment Foundation states that parental engagement has a positive impact of 4 months’ additional progress, on average. There is also a higher impact for pupils with low prior attainment. It is, therefore, crucial to consider how to engage with all parents to avoid widening attainment gaps and to ensure that this progress is made. Effective phone conversations with parents: Calling home is a simple strategy that should be used frequently and systematically in order to help students to make progress. Positive phone calls home ‘Everyone values being praised and recognised for their endeavours – it is a huge part of nurturing our self-esteem and confidence’ (Thom, 2018). As such, positive phone calls home can be an extremely valuable tool. Both students and parents will be likely to appreciate this recognition and it will normally be a positive experience for the teacher too. Negative phone calls home Negative phone calls home will always feel more daunting. As a result, it is integral that we are well-prepared and that we try to preempt any difficult comments or situations that may arise. It is essential that we are all confident and equipped to make these phone calls, as they are, at times, absolutely necessary. Have a look at the top tips below to help:

• Script the conversation/reflect on different scenarios that may occur in advance
• Practice the conversation with a line manager or ask someone to listen in
• Focus on the issue and the specific behaviour that needs to be addressed
• Speak in a calm, clear, and succinct way throughout
• Be open and confident - confidence is reassuring

Effective face-to-face meetings with parents: An article published by Forbes highlights certain scenarios when face-to-face communication is more effective than communication over the phone. These situations are applicable to schools as well as to businesses and are important to bear in mind. Communicating a sensitive, serious, or recurring issue is often much more effective face to face. The fact that a parent has taken time out of their day to speak to us shows a level of commitment and a strong desire to support their child. As with phone calls, it is important to be prepared, clear, and confident in these meetings. How to have a productive meeting about academic progress As with the conversations discussed above, preparation and planning are key. It is essential that we know what we are talking about, know the child and their progress, and have clear outcomes/steps for improvement. Parents’ evenings can be a great opportunity to get to know parents, to celebrate the students’ successes, and to address any difficulties and areas for improvement. Make the most of them! Bibliography:

• Education Endowment Foundation. (2011) Available at: https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/education-evidence/teaching-learning-toolkit/parental-engagement
• Expert Panel (2020). Council Post: 13 Times In-Person Communication Is Better Than Electronic Exchanges. [online] Forbes. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2020/07/17/13-times-in-person-communication-is-better-than-electronic-exchanges/?sh=3e1b1e682eb7
• Thom, J. (2017) Well done? A guide to using praise effectively in the classroom. [online] The Guardian. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2017/oct/18/well-done-a-guide-to-using-praise-effectively-in-the-classroom