Use of technology to help teachers channel parent communication in positive way

A survey commissioned by Becta in to parent teacher relationships reveals that thirty-seven percent of teachers think parents should be given practical advice on ways that they can communicate more effectively. Teachers and schools who have implemented online reporting and electronic communication with parents, have said that it improves parental engagement, allowing them to bring parents into the school community efficiently. It also allows teachers to channel communication from ‘overly demanding’ parents in a positive manner.

A number of schools across the country are already improving their relationships with parents by using technology and the Internet to make information accessible for parents at any time of day. This enables parents to keep in touch with the school on a regular basis, have ongoing communication with the school about general school life and methods in which they can help their child learn.

Becta is the government agency aiming to advertise and implement the productive and innovative use of technology throughout the teaching and learning process. The Schools & Parents: A New Partnership report is part of the ‘Next Generation Learning’ campaign, which encourages the move towards online reporting by using an integrated range of technologies helping parents engage with their child’s learning.

Parents and schools can work collaboratively towards a common goal via the use of technology allowing the improvement of a child’s attainment at school and facilitating higher levels of parental engagement. Online reporting helps parents and teachers share knowledge on a child’s progress and improves communication between schools and parents.

Technology that is publically accessible, for example school websites, downloadable newsletters or a subscription service can provide updated information for school life and events, like school term times and parent consultation evenings. Schools should make information available for parents by providing them log in systems with secure access such as Learning Platforms or access through a portal to MIS data. Email and text messaging could also be used by schools to contact and keep parents informed on sickness, school closure and other information that may be important to inform a parent about as soon as possible.

“Our vision for the school is to replace the traditional end of term report and provide up to date information on children that can be accessed securely at any time by parents” Christian Hilton, Headteacher at Shipston-on-Stour Primary School in Warwickshire explained.

The Becta Schools & Parents: A New Partnership report and further information about Becta and the ‘Next Generation Learning’ campaign can be found at www.nextgenerationlearning.org.uk

For more information, please contact:

Sophie Jackson 0207 025 6412 / Sophie.jackson@redconsultancy.com

Catherine Sharrott 0207 025 6589 / Catherine.Sharrott@redconsultancy.com

Kate Cox 02476 797146 / Kate.Cox@becta.org.uk

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