Mental Health Network Session: November 2024 | Parental Engagement

You planned the workshop, booked the hall and sent the letters home, and five parents came. Parental engagement often drops off as children get older, and some families only ever hear from school when something's gone wrong.

These nine ideas start with the families you most want to reach. Ring home with good news, not just problems. When parents do come in, give them time to talk to each other, and make it worth their evening so they bring a friend next time. Get pupils to write the invitations. Pin down the date of the next event while people are still in the room. Put a talk on the same night as the school concert, and run a film night in the hall so childcare isn't a reason to stay home.

It's presented by a parent who knows the sinking feeling when the school's number comes up on the phone.