Top 20 Tips For Parents of Schoolchildren« Education
(Not in order of Importance)
- Encourage your Child to be positive about school life and work
- Defend the rights of your child but support the school as much as possible
- Make regular contact with teachers and other members of staff
- Attend parent's evenings, reviews and meetings
- Try and attend less formal occasions like plays, concerts, social evenings, exhibitions, fairs and sports events
- When you are concerned about incidents that have arisen in school, talk with appropriate staff, in confidence if necessary
- Work in partnership with school when trying to sort out problems
- Inform school of any issues that might affect progress or behaviour
- Tell the school when you know in advance about an absence, or as soon as possible on the day, if it's unexpected
- Don't make appointments in school time unless it's essential
- As tempting as it is, avoid booking holidays in school time.
- Make sure all letters from school are dealt with promptly
- Beware when you need to escort your child to school. This may not always be age related, it might be to make sure they arrive!
- Be prepared to give time to your child at the end of the school day by supporting learning tasks or just be available to listen to their views and opinions
- Without being too obvious, look for changes in mood or behaviour which might suggest problems at school
- Be ready for the more stressful times in school e.g. exams/problems with teachers or work/conflict with friends and other students. Work out tactics and ideas about how best to cope.
- Check homework and sign diaries or planners
- Encourage your child to use the local facilities for sport and leisure
- Make sure there is plenty of access to reading and study materials
- Encourage involvement in school activities outside school hours such as visits, outdoor activities, sports, drama, art or any other club that might interest your child.
Author of 'Education - A Parents' Handbook'
The National Teaching & Advisory Service (UK)