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Parents want more contact with schools

Recent research revealed that parents would prefer more informal contact with teachers in order to find out how their children are getting on in school rather than attending parents' evenings.

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The research based on telephone interviews involving over 5,000 parents or carers of children at state schools, showed that parents want to have more frequent access to monitor their child's progress. They would also like to be able to check their child's progress online instead of having to queue for a five-minute update with teachers.

It also showed that only half of parents feel involved in their child's education as a result of their careers getting in the way of helping with homework.

Children's secretary, Ed Balls, said ‘We know parents are increasingly involved in their child's education-and want to do even more. But for many it's a difficult balancing act to juggle work, childcare and quality family time and still be able to help their children with homework and keep track of how their child is doing at school.' He went to say ‘Parents tell us they like having informal contact with their child's school-whether that is a chat in the playground or the chance to go online and see their teenager's latest marks and make sure they are going to all their classes.' 

Even though parents' evenings will always play a crucial role in keeping parents informed about their child's development, schools should keep up to date with what parents want.

 A new government funded scheme called Parent Know How has been designed to help parents gain more access to their child's progress through the web, over the phone and through text and instant messaging. The scheme will also offer support and advice to parents.

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