Engaging Effectively with Parents What is Parental Engagement

Engaging Effectively with Parents

What is Parental Engagement & Participation?

Why should we engage with parents?

Barriers to parental engagement & participation for practitioners

What are the barriers to parental participation? For professionals Time constraints Capacity and resources Tried before and didn’t get the numbers/responses needed Personality clashes/lack confidence/intimidated by very vocal parents Lack of collaborative working Geographical spread Parents using engagements to sabotage work and direct their anger at planners Lack of funding/funding criteria Parent disability/illness Parents who do not understand effective engagement

Barriers to parental engagement & participation for parents

What are the barriers to parental participation? For parents: Time/work commitments Alienated from services/May not use or know about services Personality clashes Judgement Literacy Access, language and communication Practical barriers, e. g travel/childcare/cost Previous contributions not valued Support to contribute Permission to be involved Lack of confidence Lack of funding

Overcoming barriers Upskill staff on engaging with parents Partnership & collaborative work Improved communication with parents Use effective parent friendly language Understanding the needs of your parents by LISTENING Ensure policies meet the needs of parents Ensure current information is available to support parents Remember childcare Non-judgemental Build relationships Consult with parents to reduce barriers Value parents input by providing feedback on their input

Steps to Parental Participation

The Principles of Engagement Respect Empathy Genuineness Humility Enthusiasm Personal integrity Expertise Effective communication

Parenting NI 42 Dublin Road, Belfast, BT 2 7 HN Helpline: 0808 8010 722 info@parentingni. org Registered Charity: XO 492/80