What parents and carers need to know about early years providers, schools and colleges Department for Education. , : . In early childhood settings this can involve teams from different disciplines such as education and health and social care teams working in partnership with families to ensure each childs individual needs are met. Would you say that you agree with Froebels view? (2009). the COVID-19 pandemic) (DfE, 2021; Montacute & Cullinane, 2021). In the context of developing parent-practitioner partnerships intheearly years, empowered individuals should be sufficiently confident to engage with each other and develop relationships of trust, requiring a degree of openness which might suggest vulnerability. Future research could focus on evaluating the adoptability of this model and the benefits of employing it as part of a child centred pedagogical approach. ZDM Mathematics Education, 47(1), 2738. (.) Supporting effective communication Through communication we develop our capacity to understand others and to understand the emotion behind the communication, which in turn helps to build positive. Pathways to family empowerment: Effects of family-centered delivery of early intervention services. One explanation was that casual talks or chats, instead of meetings, were more likely to take place within the time length of the interval between the two questionnaires. Just as the challenge of defining parent partnership is complex, so too is the process ofidentifying the factors affecting the quality of the relationship (Cottle & Alexander, 2013). The Wider Context, Evaluating Early Years Practice in Schools, Facilitating Children's Early Learning - Ann Langston, info@earlyyearsmatters.co.uk | Early Years Matters Ltd, 36 Bloomfield Drive, Bury, BL9 8JX, United KingdomRegistered in the UK: Company No. My kid and kids kinda like him. Murray, M. M., & Mereoiu, M. M. (2015). A. Wilder, S. (2014). Devine, F. (2004). Effective and meaningful collaboration and parental involvement in early education are known to be an essential part of parent-practitioner partnerships, and meaningful parent-practitioner partnerships require mutual respect and recognition of the contribution each key agent makes towards childrens development (Baum & McMurray-Schwarz, 2004). NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator, Unit 1.1: Support healthy lifestyles for children through the provision of food and nutrition. For example, in England, the EYFS recognises the importance of making decisions based on childrens interests (which may be considered a child centred approach) and also recognises the importance of families in the lives of children. Data Protection 1998 information requires personal information to be securely For each policy describe the procedures for information sharing. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02506983. Washington, DC: Administration for Children and Families. U. S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Head Start. https://doi.org/10.2304/gsch.2012.2.1.14. Parents hold a prominent role in realising good quality and community-based education for all (Vislie, 2003), as they can participate in the design and implementation of inclusion programmes and also be actively involved in the decision-making process of their childrens education (UNESCO, 1994), something in line with the Salamanca Statements need for decentralization and local-area-based planning (UNESCO, 1994, p. 38). Involve parents and carers from the very beginning transition period, along the way from induction, settling in, and daily chats, to sharing of resources, social events and information sessions. As Khan (2014) commented, professionals and families have brief and important opportunities to identify and activate support for children with insistent behavioural problems. Review of best practice in parental engagement. 1.1 Identify reasons for working in partnership. For example, if a child becomes interested in lining things up in the nursery then this could indicate an interest in number or positioning. http://www.foundationyears.org.uk/eyfs-statutory-framework/ University of Oxford Department of Education. Report of the Working Group on Early Childhood Education and Care under the Auspices of the European Commission. Google Scholar, Australian Childrens Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA). Phtiaka (2004) adds that parents knowledge and skills can enhance childrens education, particularly when this is done in close collaboration with teachers and practitioners. Its important that parents and carers know you as their childs key person. performance through improving the food our children eat in early years settings, schools and beyond. In the following literature review, the nature of the partnership itself and both the benefits and the challenges of this particular relationship will be explored. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-framework--2 They also highlight the challenges of pinpointing the impact of the involvement in terms of its effects on childrens academic achievement. https://doi.org/10.1080/0885625082000042294. Davis, H., Day, C., & Bidmead, C. (2002). This issue has risen in importance as the relationship between parents/carers, children, and their educators has been altered notably during the COVID-19 pandemic, when educationalsettings have depended increasingly on parents to continue the education of their children (Department for Education (DfE), 2021; Montacute & Cullinane, 2021; Wilson & Waddell, 2020). High school family centers: Transformative spaces linking schools and families in support of student learning. The study aimed to identify the key characteristics of an effective partnership model that will promote the development of strong parent-practitioner partnerships in the early years. (2013). Understand the principles of partnership working in relation to current frameworks when working with babies and young children. https://doi.org/10.1086/499194. Explain the nutritional value of the main food groups. (2004). Head Start Program Performance Standards 45 CFR Chapter XIII September 2016. National Council for Teaching and Leadership. As she said, I now need to go back and think, we need to review this it has actually inspired me to do more at work, which is in line with Weienrieder et al. They were voluntary and organised in such a way as to encourage the exchange of ideas, using a range of strategies to ensure that participants felt welcome and psychologically safe, in an inclusive environment that promoted respect and meaningful communication (Friend & Cook, 2013). Parliament (2003) Every Child Matters Information recorded and saved in a computer is accessible by person in authority and with the use of a pass word. The interview questions required the participants to reflect on their experience of attending the two partnership sessions and encouraged them to discuss what they perceived as the key characteristics of an effective partnership model. Retrieved 29 October 2019, from https://www.acecqa.gov.au/nqf/national-quality-standard. ), Cambridge primary review research surveys. A good way to extend learning is to have resources that can be shared at home. Whilst the typology of Epsteins behaviours (Epstein et al., 2009) might be considered limited in terms of understanding the breadth of styles of parental involvement, one aspect shared with the CAF model is the importance of communication. 2008. Hoover-Dempsey, K. V., Walker, J. M., Sandler, H. M., Whetsel, D., Green, C. L., Wilkins, A. S., & Closson, K. (2005). Vol. This is particularly true of the E (environment) element, as this has been altered notably by the influence of COVID-19. Reflection Participants reflected on their pre-conceptions of partnerships and through sharing experiences and taking part in activities that re-examined how they could further develop their collaboration. Lee, J. S. (2006). A recent report by Sutton Trust (Sammons et al., 2015) examined ways of raising the educational attainment of children from disadvantaged backgrounds and stated that early years experiencesup to the age of seven, along with better home learning environments and strong parent-practitioner partnerships, provide a significant boost in attainment at the age of eleven, and help to counteract disadvantage. Educational reform: A critical and post-structural approach. Despite the unchallenged acceptance of the importance of teacher-parent partnerships, research indicates differing interpretations of partnership by both parents and practitioners, which extends to problematic experiences of partnerships (Hodge & Runswick-Cole, 2008). Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner (Early Years Educator) 693710). Learning outcome: 1. 2008. International Journal about Parents in Education, 1, 140144. This approach highlighted the importance of parents and practitioners working together as equal partners, empowering them as individuals and encouraging the development of strong and valued partnerships (Goodall & Vorhaus, 2011; Mutch & Collins, 2012). Barriers to Parental Involvement: Overall, would you say there are some key barriers to parental involvement? Building on Froebelian principles that highlight the importance of family and community, this study explored the importance of collaboration and communication as part of a two-way dialogue. (pp. Professionals and parents of children with disabilities in primary schools in Cyprus: Cooperation or conspiracy? Parent partnership and quality early years services: Practitioners perspectives. Parent voices on advocacy, education, disability and justice. International Journal of Disability, Development and Education, 54(3), 305318. The Elementary School Journal, 106(2), 105130. Journal of Social Issues, 64(1), 95114. Sage Publications. Falmer Press. For example, if a practitioner feels that their knowledge about a certain area is lacking, they can seek out another practitioner who has more expertise in this area and learn from them. The post-questionnaire was not piloted separately, as it was almost identical to the pre-questionnaire, and it was also distributed online (through Survey Monkey). In effect, parents argue that their holistic understanding of their childrens characteristics is de-valued or neglected (Pieridou, 2013, Hodge & Runswick-Cole, 2008), despite the fact that parents are the only unpaid volunteers involved in a sea of high-paid specialists, who have a full diachronic image of the child, when different professionals come and go (Phtiaka, 2008, p. 123). https://doi.org/10.1080/01494920802073205. Sylva, K., Melhuish, E., Sammons, P., Siraj-Blatchford, I., & Taggart, B. UNESCO. Why do parents become involved? https://doi.org/10.1023/B:ECEJ.0000039645.97144.02. Effects of the home learning environment and preschool center experience upon literacy and numeracy development in early primary school. PDF Childcare Act 2006 - Legislation.gov.uk Identify reasons for: special dietary requirements, keeping and sharing, coherent records with regard to special dietary requirements. Choose as many as you like. Analyse benefits of working in partnerships with parents and carers: Identifying when parents and carers need support. The idea of such partnerships has a solid . Working in partnership with parents and carers is central to the early years foundation stage (EYFS). Even though, within the existing literature, there is an accepted understanding of the role parents can take, which includes talking, listening, role modelling,managing expectations, and ensuring school attendance (Muschamp et al., 2007), practice often falls short of this ideal (Epstein et al., 2009; Wilson, 2015). 2.2. Reasons for working in partnership Work in an inclusive way - all children actively participate in all areas of the setting Referral made quickly and reduce repeated referrals Offer a child-centred support Effective communication - enbles information sharing quickly and easily Early interventions prevent issues from escalating Parents also seemed to have become empowered by realising how important they were in the partnerships equation (Rouse, 2012). The Department for Education and Skills (DfES, 2007, p. 6) also notes that there is clearly significant public interest in making it as easy as possible for parentsfathers and mothersto engage as partners in their childrens learning and development from the earliest age as early as possible. It implies'a sharing of information,responsibility, skills, decision makingand accountability.'4 Practitioners musthave a commitment to working withall the individuals who are of centralimportance to a child, whether theylive with them or not; managersshould ensure their staff are equippedto work within these parameters.Home visits are invaluabl. 1.2. Regular chats with parents are a really important opportunity for sharing information. Turnbull, A., & Turnbull, H. R. (2001). Doing qualitative research in education settings. (2005), which emphasises the importance of initiating opportunities to become involved in a way that recognises time poverty and strives to find mutually convenient opportunities. Research Report No. ], Pieridou, M. (2013). https://doi.org/10.1080/00309230903100965. Why are parent partnerships so important? They know their child better than anyone else and can provide valuable insights into their needs and development. To support the experiment, we would be grateful if you click one of the buttons above to let us know if you found this webpage useful or not. 4 Duty of local authority and relevant partners to work together (1) For the purposes of this section each of the following is a relevant partner of an English local authority https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-021-01181-6, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-021-01181-6. 31 March 2014 Last updated 3 September 2021 See all updates Get emails about this page Applies to England Documents Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage PDF, 371 KB, 53. Formally, a partnership is an agreement where two or more people or groups work togethertowardmutualgoals.Partnershipscanbeformal,informal,orevenunspoken as long as they include people or groups working together. PDF Supporting members to provide the highest standards of care and Coordinates with other professionals to provide the necessary support for the child. Baum, A. C., & McMurray-Schwarz, P. (2004). As a mother said, it was like a Eureka moment, as it was so obvious once it had been said, but until it had been said I hadnt really thought about it. The relationship might begin with them visiting your setting. Disability, education, and inclusion: Cross-cultural issues and dilemmas. (2007). Marriage & Family Review, 43(34), 338368. National Quality Framework. Identify reasons for working in partnership - StudyPrism 5477). We'd also like to use analytics cookies so we can understand how you use this service and make improvements. When examining the findings, it becomes clearer that there is a resonance with Hoover-Dempsey and Sandlers model (2005), as adapted by Hoover-Dempsey et al. Retrieved November 3, 2019, from https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/665520/Teachers__Standards.pdf, Department for Education. Patterns of parent involvement: A longitudinal analysis of familyschool partnerships in the early years of school in Australia. Neglecting the skills to develop the relationships can easily result in superficial, rather than trust-based, communication. They can then trust in the way you respond to their child and see how you personalise their childs learning. Froebel, F. (1912). Retrieved from https://www.centreformentalhealth.org.uk/sites/default/files/2018-09/wantingthebest.pdf. Please share your ideas about the benefits of parental involvement in relation to: (a) the setting, (b) theparents, (3) the children, (4) the teacher. How do these perceptions change after taking part inthe partnership sessions? Identify the policies in your work setting that include details of information sharing. A practitioner specifically noted that before attending the sessions, she knew that something was wrong with their approach to working with parents and the kind of feedback given to parents during pick-ups and drop offs but attending the sessions helped her realise that what was lacking was the quality of what was being shared. What are the key features of a parents and practitioners partnership model, based on theparticipants own lived experiences? Work pressure - long hours and unpredictable work patterns. Unfortunately, even though parents participation has been subject to legislation during the last decade, evidence (both in the UK and in other European countries) indicates that the procedures and strategies to develop partnerships remain vague, and the reality of partnerships between practitioners and parents is still far from ensuring an ideal and collaborative ethos (Barnes, 1994; Pieridou, 2013; Zoniou-Sideri & Nteropoulou-Nterou, 2008). 2. www.foundationyears.org.uk. PhD Thesis, University of Cyprus, Pieridou, M, & Phtiaka, H. (2011). parents and carers - this sections looks at the care support offered to the child, such as responding to Background: Have you attended the Continuous Professional Development programme (I will refer to this from now onwards as CPD) as a parent/carer or as a practitioner? Such settings develop a two-way partnership with parents based on mutual trust, respect and a commitment to improving learning outcomes (Harris & Goodall, 2007). Information should not be kept longer than necessary and shared by relevant partnerships with the consent of the person. Finally, the environment in which this takes place is also important because of the physical and emotional space needed to feel safe and open, with space available to communicate and discuss in confidence (Lee, 2006; Wilson, 2015). Top tip: When building a relationship with parents you should consider the sensitive feelings of the parent and thinking carefully about how you communicate, particularly when you have difficult things to say. PDF Unit 7: Understand Partnership Working for the Benefit of Babies and Describe food and drink requirements in relation to current frameworks. Another parent noticed that their nursery is emailing more, and they also use other social media after participating at the partnership sessions. How communications and records are recorded and securely stored meeting data protection requirements: All children' s records and communication via email, note pad, letter, referral forms or application forms are recorded and secured in the following ways: DFE (2017) Early Years Foundation Stage Framework (EYFS) It also helps practitioners stay up-to-date with current research, trends and developments so they can provide the best possible learning opportunities for their pupils. Shortly after the partnership sessions took place, all parents and practitioners from the same six settings were asked to complete a post-questionnaire. For example, their own experiences of nursery, separation, language, culture and different values. Unit 2.5 Working in partnership Cora Burt The Churchfield primary school EYFS policy covers how the nursery works in partnership with parents to achieve the best result for children's learning and growth. Meanwhile, it also provided the researchers with further lines of inquiry for one-to-one in-depth interviews. Personal, social and emotional development. Early Childhood Education Journal, 33(6), 433441. This also helps to create a positive. Hoover-Dempsey and Sandlers framework (Hoover-Dempsey et al, 2005) focuses on three motivational elements for affecting parental involvement which include (1) parents own beliefs and sense of self-efficacy, (2) parents understanding of their importance to the setting and to their children, and (3) their capacity to become involved, in terms of time, skills and knowledge.