Partnership with Parents THE KEY PERSON Partnership with Parents © Laser Learning Ltd 2014

Parents Parents are children’s first educators and practitioners need to work closely with them in order to achieve the best outcomes for children.

How to share ideas with parents Through conversation A home/setting diary Email Attending parent /staff sessions Phone calls Letters

What you need to know from parents Whether or not the child is well If the child is particularly tired If there has been an upset at home If something exciting is happening at home or a change to routine Any allergies What comforts the child Who is collecting them and at what time.

What you need to share with parents How the child has been during the day What they enjoyed What they did not enjoy What they had to eat and drink If very young, details of care routines and sleeps Anything needed for the next day.

Development Observations should be carried out regularly on each child, these should be shared with parents The child’s progress should be shared Any development concerns should be shared.

How to build good relationships Be available Be interested Be accepting Give good eye contact Invite them to sessions Get to know them Give them information

How can parents participate in setting life? Joining play sessions Coming to sports days Attending training sessions, e.g. EYFS information Parents’ evenings Sharing their particular skills and talents Reading to children Coming to have lunch with their child.

Barriers to participation Think about the barriers to parents getting involved, such as: English being a second language, Lack of confidence, Lack of time Being a full-time carer Find ways to overcome these barriers and offer support so you can be fully inclusive.

Reflect Creating a good relationship with the parents of your key children (all the children if you are a childminder) is a big responsibility, a vital role and very rewarding for all concerned. Consider your own practice in this area. Could it be improved?