There is a compelling case for getting parents more engaged, which is why OFSTED encourage it and report back on how effectively schools are achieving this.

Ultimately, encouraging parents to get involved and take ownership turns them into stakeholders and partners.

Making them more demanding of their schools (in a good way) raises standards and results in better outcomes for learners.

Let's think about your school's communications system...

Unless the parents are actively involved and engaged, communications can be one-directional, and emails can remain unread.

When you think of the Parent Teacher Association at your school, is your first thought about cake sales?

Dare I say that's just the icing?

As well as raising funds for your school, your PTA are instrumental in involving parents in school matters, representing their views, and building links with the local community.

We looked at how they were going about organising fundraising events.

Typically a small handful of parents take the lead.

The school often supports them in sending out email notices, and lets them use the school photocopier to distribute flyers.

Many PTAs have started Facebook pages or twitter accounts to keep parents informed, proving that the school's facilities are not adequate to support their activities.

Parents also shy away from being put on email lists if it means they start receiving endless emails with PTA news.

Worse than that is being added to a group email where you cannot escape every reply filling up your inbox.

So your cake-baking skills are not up to scratch, so what? Think about what you can contribute to the school community.

Software programmer? Start an after-school club teaching coding to kids.

Gardener? Help design and build a herb garden for the children.

Nuclear Physicist? Inspire the kids with an eye-popping careers talk!

The diverse skills and resources of the parent community provide our children with a richer, more-fulfilling whole school experience.

Organising becomes so easy, that more parents are willing to take on more responsibility.

Delegation is the key!

Thanks!

If we learn lessons from the corporate world about how they have embraced social...

Having conversations out in the open builds trust, allows you to deal with issues up front.

So, you don't end up with nasty surprises when you least expect them.

The upshot is, we're connecting your school community online,

increasing awareness of how they can contribute a little,

and helping them feel good about being involved!