Whether it’s from our own research into family-school partnerships, from the international research literature, or from the comments in Parent Focus groups, we are constantly winnowing out tips for those parents, teachers and principals who are keen to promote families’ engagement with schools. Here’s our current ‘top twenty’ list of things to keep in mind.

• Tap into the interests of parents .
• Break down the teacher/parent barrier through activities that are not directly school-related.
• Use personal contact. It is the most effective form of communication. Word-of-mouth is king.
• Communicate, communicate, communicate.
• Be a venue for, and agent of, parental self-growth.
• Ask for, and value, the opinion of parents outside the formal school structures.
• Create an environment that encourages parental autonomy. It’s always been in their hands where they go with it and I think that’s very important.
• Emphasise the connection with the child’s education. Even the most reluctant person will say, what does that mean for my child?
• Go out of your way to make parents feel welcome and valued.
• Build bridges across cultural and language divides.
• Be sensitive to parents’ sensibilities.
• Be prepared to engage in community capacity-building.
• Show leadership, be visible and available.
• Be realistic, patient, and a bit brave.
• Make it clear you think of parents as genuine partners.
• Open your mind to parents’ needs and attitudes.
• Appoint a parent/community liaison person to the staff.
• Create a place that parents can call their own.
• Acknowledge and celebrate the parents’ input. Throw a party.
• Invite community groups to have a special gathering at your school.