Supporting Your Child
Children can achieve well at school when their family and friends take an interest in their school and schoolwork. Getting involved in your child’s education, even in the simplest way, shows that you care about their school life. Often, the more supported a child feels at home, the more effectively she or he will learn at school. Whatever your lifestyle, or family situation, it is never too soon (or too late) to start helping a child develop a positive attitude towards learning.
The school appreciates that time can be a factor in busy families but there are ways of being involved in your child's education without feeling overwhelmed. If you are a non-resident parent, it is equally as important to be involved in your child's learning too. This can give your child far greater goals and inspire them to try their best where they can.
Helping your child get the best out of school
Try to give encouragement and show appreciation of your child’s achievements, whether great or small, as this can help boost their confidence. Teach them basic organisation and time management skills so they are not overwhelmed with projects or homework. Be realistic and avoid putting your child under pressure by having over-high expectations. Let your child develop at their own pace, but if you do have concerns, please speak to their teacher.
Finding out more about your child’s school life and what they are learning shows your child how much you care about their education. And getting to know the school and the teachers is the best way of finding out more.
Tips to help you keep up with what’s happening at the school
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Make sure your child gives you any letters that are sent home.
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Read the Newsletter each Thursday.
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Look out for notices and posters for parents.
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Check the school website weekly
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Check Seesaw regularly.
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Try to make it to the fun events, like school fairs, and to parents’ evenings.
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If you are worried about anything, go and talk to a teacher.
Out of school support
Often parents like to introduce a variety of interests in and out of school too so children have the opportunity to explore other interests that they enjoy. Learn together, do things together, visit interesting places, talk about things you’ve seen on television and encourage your child to ask questions. Support their reading development by having books, magazines and newspapers in the home and let your child see you and other family members reading them.
When a child comes home from school, they may be tired so try not to fire too many questions of your child as soon as they walk through the door. They may be tired or hungry and not feel like talking. Be available to listen later if they want to talk.
Thinking ahead
Education is more than just maths, English and science. Your child’s talents lie in sport, art, music, drama, computers, or anything else, you can always help them aim high by boosting their confidence:
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Encourage them to join after-school clubs or activities.
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Tell your child how proud you are when they do well.
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Let them hear you praising them to other people.
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Talk together about their future and the kind of job they think they would enjoy.
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Ask them to help you with things they are good at.
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Help your child to find someone to look up to; a relative, friend or celebrity.
If your child is struggling at school
If your child has Special Educational Needs or a Disability (SEND), it is even more important to be involved so you can understand what support your child is receiving at school and whether he or she is on target. Your child may receive additional support outside the normal classroom practice, if this is the case your child’s class teacher will keep you informed and will report back on their progress. You can arrange a time to speak to their class teacher or to Mrs Stiles, the SENCO, if you have any concerns about your child.
Parent Support Advisor (PSA)
The role of the PSA is to support you and your child by providing advice and information. Please find out more by clicking here.
Some useful links:
BBC Learning: Parents - Support your Child's Education