Parental engagement framework

23 March 2020

We recognise that parents are the first and ongoing educators of their children and they should know them best. The promotion of parental involvement and partnership working is therefore a key priority within the Education Service. We are committed to raising attainment and will support schools and families to close the attainment gap by promoting the involvement and engagement of parents in the education of their child.

“Parental involvement and engagement relies on the principles of trust and collaboration, good conversations and emotional bonds”. (‘Learning Together’ – Scotland’s national action plan on parental involvement, parental engagement, family learning and learning at home 2018 – 2021).

Developing the parental engagement framework

The framework has been developed in conjunction with a working group of East Ayrshire Council colleagues across services, practitioners, parents, and young people and built around the excellent, existing practice which takes place within our establishments currently.

This framework recognises that due to ever changing family dynamics, parental engagement comes in many forms. Many children and young people face a number of barriers which impact on their ability to succeed, this may include disadvantaged groups such as kinship carers, disabilities, looked after and accommodated and children and families affected by parental imprisonment. This is further supported as part of our trauma informed workforce.

The framework sits alongside other East Ayrshire Council policies and frameworks which support children and families and will be embedded at the heart of our services across East Ayrshire Council providing a commitment to nurturing a culture of positive relationships that build on the strength and capacity of parents through a supportive, trusting and collaborative approach.

Aim of the parental engagement framework

The overall aim of the Parental Engagement Framework is to provide information, resources and local supports in order to fully engage and inform parents and carers within our communities and it was important to ensure the views of parents and carers were reflected and embedded throughout this Framework.