How do we support parents?
There is significant evidence to demonstrate that, from the earliest years through to adolescence, the impact parental influence has on a child's outcome is vital. There is evidence to show that schools who work with parents have:
- Improved levels of achievement
- More positive pupil attitudes and behaviour
- Greater parent participation in, and support for, the life and work of the school
The majority of parents will need help and support at some time. Parenting support aims to equip parents with the skills to support their child's education and to deal effectively with issues that could affect their family's well-being. Schools working closely with parents and other agencies are expected to ensure that all parents, can access the following:
- Information, advice and support on a range of issues and services in order to support their child effectively. This is particularly important at key points of transition, for example between primary and secondary school.
- Parenting Support in the form of one to one support, parenting programmes within a group environment, and support in accessing specialist services if required.
- Family Learning by providing the chance to learn alongside their child(ren) can have a significant impact on parent's confidence to support their child's learning out of school.
Parenting support services can be provided either by the school or by signposting parents to existing services. Within Northamptonshire, schools have a range of staff working with parents to support children's learning and wellbeing, these include:
Parent Participation - Northamptonshire Parent Forums
What is a Parent Forum?
A Parent forum is a group of parents, representing parents, often run by parents with the support of the school. Parent Forums can provide an excellent mechanism for parents to come together with representatives from the school, share ideas, and put forward their views to the Head Teacher and Governing Body of their school.
Parent Forums can break down barriers, perceived or actual, between the school and parents who are less involved in the school. Although every Parent Forum evolves differently depending on the nature of the school, they all serve two distinct but related purposes:
- To give parents a voice and increase their involvement in decision-making, fostering a culture of ownership and participation.
- To develop a partnership between the school and parents and carers in order to support and promote pupils' learning and bring about change.
Parent Forum Leaflet (PDF format 211KB)
Parenting Courses - What's on
For information on what parenting courses are happening in your area, and a brief description of the evidence based courses the county are running please see Parenting Programmes Training and Support.
Information for families
The Northamptonshire Families Information Service provide impartial information, advice and guidance on all 0-19 services including:
- Registered Childcare
- Early Education funding
- Pre-school special educational needs
- Support for families with specific issues
For further information about any aspect of parent support e-mail: extendedservices@northamptonshire.gov.uk.