Parents

The latest news, research and advice when it comes to parent-school relationships, including communication, safeguarding, parental involvement and more

Monday

16th Jun 2025

Why our art displays focus on the journey - not just the destination
A primary teacher explains why her school wants to show parents the process children have gone through to create their art – not just the finished product
Art journey

Saturday

14th Jun 2025

‘Horror’ toilets make pupils ask to miss school, parents say
Poll reveals 1 in 6 school toilets rated unclean, amid calls for government to prioritise funding to improve ‘disgusting’ lavatories as part of school estate upgrades

Friday

13th Jun 2025

Private schools lose court battle over VAT on fees
The High Court has given its judgement in a case that challenged the government’s introduction of VAT on independent school fees earlier this year
Scales of justice with Euro flag in background

Thursday

12th Jun 2025

DfE ‘should auto-enrol’ pupils for free school meals
Call for all eligible children to be automatically enrolled for FSM follows the government announcement that it is expanding the entitlement from next year
Free school meals

Monday

9th Jun 2025

Pros and cons: letting students hear from controversial speakers
An international head explains the complexities of deciding whether or not to let a controversial speaker come to the school – even after complaints from parents
Speakers corner controversial speakers

Thursday

5th Jun 2025

Why a new safeguarding law is still leaving many children at risk
Operation Encompass should ensure that schools are made aware of children exposed to domestic violence the day after an incident is logged by police – but the system is failing all too often, as Ellen Peirson-Hagger uncovers
safeguarding law Operation Encompass

Wednesday

28th May 2025

Make ASN training mandatory for all school staff, say parents
A shortage of specialist skills among school staff for helping pupils with additional support needs has been highlighted by a Scottish parents’ organisation
ASN training for all school staff

Monday

19th May 2025

Ethical dilemmas: when religious beliefs clash with curriculum
The latest instalment in our ethical leadership series presents another case study of how the Framework for Ethical Leadership can guide school leaders through difficult situations
Ethical dilemmas tread carefully

Wednesday

14th May 2025

4 in 5 teachers warn government will miss ‘school-ready’ target
A lack of affordable childcare is contributing to the problem of children starting Reception without being ready for school, a poll suggests
Mother tying child's shoes School Ready

Wednesday

23rd Apr 2025

3 ways to tackle the rise in complaints against schools
A MAT director explains the changes that need to be made to protect schools from the rising number of parent complaints, especially those that cross the line
Incoming call by angry parent

Wednesday

16th Apr 2025

Why school readiness is the most important equality issue in society
Today millions of primary places will be offered. We must work with families to ensure children have the skills to start school, writes Kindred Squared director Felicity Gillespie
Parent tying shoe laces

Tuesday

8th Apr 2025

School-ready pupils target ‘at risk’ because of family support cuts
Funding cuts for children’s centres and Family Hubs are putting ‘unsustainable’ pressure on schools and teachers, warns the Centre for Young Lives
School readiness target is at risk because of funding cuts, DfE is warned.