Building Brilliant Connections Between Families and Schools

Jennifer Ross is a SENCO and Primary School Teacher, with a B.A. in Early Childhood studies and a Master’s in Educational Leadership.

"Parental engagement is crucial for children's learning and development as it supports, encourages & nurtures them. Parents who are engaged in their children's education provide vital emotional and academic support which can boost their child's confidence and motivation, leading to better academic performance as well as better attendance and behaviour.When parents are involved in their child's education, they are more likely to communicate with teachers and collaborate on how best to support their child's learning but it’s not always easy to engage parents in the process. This comprehensive and engaging book will give teachers and school leaders the roadmap for creating & strengthening the vital links between schools and families. It is bursting with positive actions and lots of practical suggestions building trust even within hard-to-reach communities."Sue Atkins, Parenting Broadcaster, Former Deputy Headteacher & Author of ‘Parenting Made Easy – How to Raise Happy Children’ (www.thesueatkins.com)"This book is an essential guide for colleagues who not only want to improve parental engagement in school but take it up a notch to empower families as a force for good in our communities. It’s packed full with practical advice coming from the lived experiences of the author and contributors. Dip in, take tips and see what you can make possible in your schools to improve outcomes for all our children by unleashing the potential of family engagement."David Whitehead, CEO, Our Community Multi Academy Trust

• 1. Parent Councils, policy and practise 2. Developing positive relationships and supporting mental wellbeing 3. Strengthening links between schools and settings 4. Voluntary action 5. Engaging the disengaged and overcoming barriers 6. Parental engagement: A comparison between mainstream and SEN schools 7. Reflections