Supporting Parents in Education (Post-Primary)

Supporting Parents in Education Welcome! The National Induction Programme for Teachers would like to welcome all NQTs to the workshop programme

Supporting Parents in Education Workshop Programme ( ) Teaching Council Requirement To complete 20 hours of CPD over 3 years -By attending evening workshops at the local Education Centre -By attending a non-teaching day - 2 cross-sectoral workshops – Child Protection and Inclusion at local EC level -For NQTs in Droichead schools or NQTs in schools with trained mentors some of the CPD requirement can be fulfilled at school level

Supporting Parents in Education Workshop Programme Requirements Attendance Sign in on official EC attendance form Ensure that you record your Teaching Council number accurately Ensure that your name is legible and is the same name as recorded with the TC Maintain your own personal record of workshops attended Attendance at 10 different workshops over a three year period Punctuality Sign-in will close 10 minutes after workshop begins. Each workshop is a full two–hour session - if you are late, you are welcome to stay but your attendance is not counted. If you leave early your attendance is not counted.

Supporting Parents in Education Supporting Parents in Education

Supporting Parents in Education Seek to develop positive relationships with parents that are characterised by professional integrity and judgement Communicate effectively with parents in a manner that is professional, collaborative, supportive and based on trust and respect Ensure that any communication with parents is appropriate including communication via electronic media, such as , texting and social networking sites Work in a collaborative manner with parents/guardians, in seeking to effectively meet the needs of pupils/students Key Messages Codes of Professional Conduct for Teachers 2 nd Ed. 2012: Teaching Council

Supporting Parents in Education Literacy and Numeracy for Learning and Life Parents need to know how best to help their children Home and other educational settings must work together We know that parents make a real difference Literacy and Numeracy for Learning and Life, Pg

Supporting Parents in Education What do parents need from teachers to best support their son/daughter? What strategies are you aware of that involve parents in their children's education?

Supporting Parents in Education Ways we communicate with Parents Q. What does your school policy say about supporting parents? Q. What formal and informal methods of communication schools use when supporting parents?

Supporting Parents in Education Effective Communication “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” George Bernard Shaw

Supporting Parents in Education Communication Methods Written: Note/Letter/Student Journal - Information is essential and accessible - Sets the right tone - Plain English - Proofread carefully Telephone: - What should not be communicated by telephone?

Supporting Parents in Education Video Clip link embedded & is available on NIPT website to download

Supporting Parents in Education Meeting with Parents - Before How should you prepare for a Parent Teacher Meeting? Good preparation ensures a confident, relaxed approach. Parents will want to know that you are managing and teaching the class and that you know their son/daughter really well.

Supporting Parents in Education Meeting with Parents - During & After Give clear messages Be honest but tactful Listen to what parents have to say Follow up on any concerns that they have… If you promise to do something as a result of the meeting make sure that you do it Keep a note of any contact that you have with parents in relation to homework, attendance, behaviour, etc.

Supporting Parents in Education Framing Information – Good News Sandwich Fiachra, 2 Oak: Strengths - excellent social and communication skills Evidence of same… Area that he finds difficult - He rarely completes written homework Evidence of same… Areas to work on – study skills - Strategies which would help …

Supporting Parents in Education If Communication is more challenging… Guiding Principles: Recognise… Acknowledge… Respond… LISTEN Where? Who? Speak softly and plainly ‘I’ Statements recommended strategy Clarify problem

Supporting Parents in Education If Communication is more challenging… Guiding Principles: Recognise… Acknowledge… Respond… LISTEN Listen Pause Balance by using ‘however…’ Be moderate and accurate Use a third person Let the other person save face!

Supporting Parents in Education National Parents Council

Supporting Parents in Education Support Mentor Tutor / Year Head Post- Primary Special Educational Needs Team Home School Community Liaison Other Teachers School Management Parents

Supporting Parents in Education Useful Contacts

Supporting Parents in Education Additional Support Professional Support Groups NIPT School Support Service Contact the NIPT Please ask your Facilitator or EC for the contact details of the NIPT RDO assigned to your EC To ask for support is a sign of strength…