Parental engagement is not just a “nice to have”; it is essential for improving outcomes for children and young people. By aligning with national frameworks and leveraging research-backed practices, practitioners can make a meaningful difference in the lives of learners.
Why Parental Engagement Matters
“Family learning helps to improve outcomes for children by encouraging a culture of learning in the home, and involving parents in the child’s education” (Scottish Government, 2018)
Research shows that when parents are actively involved in their children’s education, the children may achieve better academic outcomes, develop stronger social skills and experience greater emotional well-being. According to Scottish Schools (Parental Involvement) Act 2006, increasing parental involvement is a requirement aimed at improving school outcomes through enhanced family engagement.
Scottish Policy Context
Parental engagement is a cornerstone of education policy in Scotland. The Scottish Schools (Parental Involvement) Act 2006 places a statutory duty on schools to promote parental involvement in their child’s education and learning. Additionally, the Children and Young People’s (Scotland) Act 2014 highlights the role of parents as key partners in securing the wellbeing and success of children through the Getting It Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) framework.
In alignment with Education Scotland’s Empowerment Agenda, the focus has shifted towards empowering families to actively engage in their child’s education, recognising parents as primary educators and essential partners in shaping positive educational outcomes.
What the Research Says
A growing body of evidence underlines the critical impact of parental engagement. Some examples are highlighted below, which you can explore further.
- Janet Goodall (2018): Demonstrated that parental engagement has a significant and positive effect on children’s learning, particularly when parents are actively involved in supporting educational activities at home.
- Goodall and Montgomery (2014): Highlighted the shift from parental “involvement” (participation in school activities) to “engagement” (active partnership in learning), showing that the latter fosters deeper and more meaningful improvements in children’s outcomes.
- Epstein’s Model of Overlapping Spheres of Influence (2001): Stressed the interconnected roles of school, family, and community in supporting learners.
Impact on Learners
When parents are engaged in their child’s education, the benefits are profound and far-reaching:
- Improved Academic Achievement: Students with engaged parents are more likely to achieve better grades, attend school regularly, and develop positive attitudes toward learning.
- Enhanced Social and Emotional Wellbeing: Active parental involvement strengthens children’s confidence, resilience, and ability to navigate challenges.
- Bridging the Equity Gap: Parental engagement has been shown to mitigate the effects of socioeconomic disadvantage, leveling the playing field for learners from diverse backgrounds.
- Lifelong Skills: By observing and collaborating with engaged parents, children are more likely to develop skills like self-discipline, goal-setting, and a love of learning.
A Shared Responsibility
The impact of this engagement depends on the strength of the partnership between schools, families, and communities. Practitioners play a pivotal role in fostering this collaboration by addressing barriers, creating inclusive opportunities, and recognising parents as valuable contributors to their child’s education.
