Parental Engagement Consultation (a high school with eight feeder primaries)

What we did: We spent time visiting six primary schools and met with parents, staff and children to talk about how parental involvement could be even better.  Various activities and questions were set up so that parents could contribute their own ideas and suggestions. The children (even the very youngest!) were able to contribute with their views using pictures and words.

What we achieved: A comprehensive and detailed report that was presented to the schools and which contained a summary of the discussions and activities along with actions and next steps.  One of the highlights was the extent to which parents were able to offer their skills and knowledge and the enthusiasm for getting more involved.

Feeling Safe at School (consultation  with children in Reception to Year 6)

What we did: The headteacher and governors at the school recognised the importance of seeking children’s views with regard to how safe they feel at school.  It was also important to capture the children’s own words and pictures and to ensure that even the youngest children were involved.  Activities were set up so that the children worked in small groups with a facilitator to talk about some key questions.  A report was then prepared for the school and which has also served as useful evidence for OfSTED.

What we achieved: A simple, straightforward and cost effective way of gathering the children’s views and understanding on feeling safe and keeping safe.  A report that was well received by the school including the Headteacher; ‘A very clear and professional report that I will share with staff and parents’, Chair of Governors; ‘This is an excellent piece of work and the results seem very positive. It gives us a good lead on safeguarding and will help the rest of us to get our heads around it so that everyone can become part of it.’, and School Improvement Partner; ‘The report is an excellent example of the use of pupil voice' which the school can now reflect on and help develop further opportunites'

Making the Move (a series of six workshops for parents/carers whose children are moving from primary to secondary)

What we did: Designed and delivered six sessions that focused on the key issues that most concerned parents from behaviour and setting boundaries to getting ready for that all important first day.  Most importantly, the parents were able to spend time listening to one another and sharing their concerns and solutions.

What we achieved: 16 parents attended the sessions and their comments speak for themselves: ‘We had a lot of input, we were part of it and enjoyed the discussions’, ‘Sharing experiences – not being the only one’, ‘It has been very interesting, it helped to talk about things we wouldn’t normally want to talk about’, ‘I have learnt more about bullying and it has really helped me’.