Encouraging parents to get actively involved in their child’s education is one of the most important challenges that schools and nurseries face.

Parents care deeply about their children, but, often, it is the same few who volunteer, and you struggle to reach those who may see education as solely the business of the school.

Learning that takes place in the classroom is only a relatively small part of a child’s experience. Parents need to understand the crucial part that they have to play as educators in their child’s journey through school and beyond. It is the school’s role to ensure parents know what their child is learning and how they are doing, and to support them in enriching this learning at home.

As a teacher in a nursery, I am constantly looking for ways to empower parents to help us to raise attainment. Relationships are at the heart of everything we do, and the partnerships staff have formed with families ensure that even “hard to reach” families feel confident getting involved. Knowing families well means that we can judge how best to share learning and reach out to parents. It is essential to recognise barriers that children and families face, and to find ways to overcome these.

Use digital media to keep parents informed

Offering a variety of ways to engage can enable parents to get information and feedback quickly and easily. Imaginative use of digital media, for example, helps ensure that learning is shared daily and that parents are informed about what their child is doing. Simple ideas to extend learning at home can make a crucial difference, and give parents confidence to enrich their child’s education.

If all contributions from parents are valued, and home learning celebrated, they see that what they are doing is making a real difference to their child. Children who know their parents value what they are learning in school - and see their parents working with teachers - are more likely to value their own learning. Having success celebrated in and out of school motivates children to succeed.

Having success celebrated in and out of school motivates children to succeed

Strong relationships with parents and families also have a positive effect on staff. When parents work closely with them, they are motivated by the feedback that they get, as well as the evidence that their continuous hard work is having an impact on the children who they teach.

Everyone involved in a child’s life has a role to play in his or her education. Schools need to help children, parents and the community realise the difference they can make, if all are united by shared understanding, high expectations and a vision for learning. A strong learning community - where everyone feels empowered to contribute - gives our children the best chance of success.

Martha Burnett is a teacher at Polbeth Nursery - which recently won a UK-wide nursery award for its work with parents - and St Mary’s Primary, in West Lothian