WORKING WITH PARENTS Home Links © COLEG

The Importance of Parents Much of the child’s education takes place in the home Parents possess a unique knowledge of their child Research suggests that parents make a difference

How can Staff help Parents feel part of the Nursery? Get to know the children before they start nursery… –discussion when children are placed on the waiting list –pre-entry visits –close contact with other childcare providers –home visits by staff

How Staff can help… Encourage parents to play an active part… –in the home –at nursery

How Staff can help… Give parents helpers a clear idea of their role in the nursery… –make them aware of nursery philosophy –help them to see relationship between the nursery aims and staff practice –speak with parents regularly - formally/informally

How Staff can help… Have a good communication system… – clear, informative newsletters –updated and relevant notice board

Parental Participation… Socialisation - parents’ room, parents’ social evenings Fund-raising - for establishment or charity Sharing in cultural celebrations - adults and/or children Workshops - making/mending, concerts

Partnerships Communication Consultation Support Shared responsibility Co-operation Trust Flexibility

Confidentiality What measures have you seen in your placement to protect parent’s rights to confidentiality? Discuss as a group and feed back to the class. Parents have a right to be informed of, and to access, any information / records which may be held regarding their child.