Fostering parent engagement in EYFS education is a multifaceted process that requires a commitment from both educators and parents/carers. This process involves implementing various strategies that create a supportive environment for all families and for their children's learning and development. Considering what might be preventing parents/carers from engaging with each strategy is important in order to reduce any barriers that may be experienced (see Strategy 4). Using a mix of approaches can offer families different ways to be connected and involved.

In this article, I have written five strategies based on my own experience as a primary school teacher, early years educator, and mother of two children under five. We will explore how these strategies can be implemented to maximise children's learning potential.

Strategy 1: Establish transparent communication channels

One of the primary strategies for fostering parent/carer engagement is establishing transparent communication channels, which is the key to building successful partnerships. These can be built and maintained in the way that educators encourage parents/carers to share their insights, concerns, and aspirations for their child's educational journey. Educators can facilitate dialogue and ensure that parents/carers feel valued and actively involved in their child's learning experience by using various mediums such as in-person meetings, email, newsletters, and digital platforms. 

For example, setting up regular parent/carer-teacher meetings can effectively establish communication and build trust between educators and parents/carers. During these meetings, educators can share news about the child's learning, showcase the child's artwork and learning journals/workbooks and discuss the child's strengths and areas for growth. Meetings are also ideal for parents/carers to share their insights and information about their child. This exchange can help educators tailor their teaching approach to meet the child's needs and preferences.

These in-person meetings can be a 10-minute conversation to discuss a specific area. This demonstrates how the child is the central focus, and working together will nurture the child's well-being and learning.

As a mother, I enjoy the opportunities presented to me to look at what my child is learning, where he enjoys sitting, what his favourite activity is, and what he is generally interested in. It is a learning experience because I am often surprised by how his character and interests differ from those at home. He has been given many stickers at school for fantastic tidying up. (We need more practice at home!).

It is a delight to meet his teacher and feel her love for my child. At the same time, I can also see the dedication and passion of the teachers in ensuring that the children are happy and flourishing at school.

Personal meetings are an excellent channel of communication, but understandably, educators' and parents/carer’s time is limited. Therefore, it is realistic not to expect daily 10-minute discussions, but to be kept in the loop in a variety of ways. 

Strategy 2: Provide regular progress updates and feedback

Educators should provide regular progress updates and feedback on a child's achievements, milestones, and areas for growth. These help parents/carers to feel involved and more able to support their child.

Use progress reports, parent-teacher meetings, and digital platforms to communicate effectively. Celebrate the child's successes and milestones, no matter how small, and provide constructive feedback to guide their continued development. Research suggests that parental involvement in early years education correlates with children's improved cognitive development and 'school readiness'. Therefore, by providing regular progress updates and feedback, educators empower parents to participate actively in their children's educational journey.

Strategy 3: Foster inclusive community spaces

Another pivotal strategy in fostering parent engagement revolves around creating inclusive community spaces.

Imagine educational settings as bustling, vibrant hubs where families share experiences, celebrate diversity, and forge lasting bonds. To kindle parent/carer participation, educators can orchestrate various family-friendly events, ranging from cultural celebrations to informative workshops. These gatherings serve as an opportunity for connection, fostering a sense of belonging within the educational setting's social culture. Consideration should be given to how to make these fully inclusive, including what times of the day any events take place. By ensuring all families feel reconnected and valued, irrespective of cultural or socio-economic backgrounds, educators can harness the transformative power of diversity, enriching the educational landscape for young learners and their families.

There is a real sense of pride and school community spirit at my son's school. Every week, there is something to look forward to, and the whole school is involved. From bake sales to jumble sales, auctions, and international food days, there is always something that brings the school community together. The school also has t-shirts and tote bags available with the school slogan so the children and adults can showcase unity and represent the school with great pride.

Strategy 4: Demonstrate empathy and understanding

Empathy and understanding are essential qualities that underpin effective parent/carer-teacher partnerships. Educators must recognise and appreciate the diverse needs, challenges, and experiences of parents/carers and demonstrate compassion and empathy in their interactions. This involves listening, actively validating parent/carer concerns, and offering support and guidance where needed. Educators should strive to create a safe and welcoming space where parents feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or criticism.

Furthermore, educators should be mindful of various factors that may impact parents'/carers' ability to engage fully in their child's education. This may include cultural differences, language barriers, socio-economic constraints, or personal challenges. By showing empathy and understanding, educators can establish trust and build a collaborative partnership with parents/carers based on mutual respect and support. 

I have a personal example of how educators showed empathy and understanding to me, as a parent of two children under five. Last year, my grandad suddenly sadly passed away during the school holidays. My emotions were at an all-time high and it was a daily struggle to balance home life and school life. I was not sleeping, I was sad, I felt busy travelling across London to visit family. I was nursing a 6-month-old baby and functioning with all the activities surrounding my young family. I hid my emotions for the sake of the children. For a few weeks during this period, leaving home by 8:30 a.m. to take my son to school was an absolute struggle. I felt awful because it was my fault that we were late, and I did not want my son's well-being to be affected due to my grief. The children are young, so they did not understand my bereavement, but my 5-year-old did start to demonstrate anxiety at the thought of being the last one on the classroom carpet during circle time or late for assembly.  

The teachers and headteacher were very understanding and supported our family during this sad time. They celebrated my child's readiness to learn and didn't focus on his lateness. For the days that we were on time, they praised him for this and talked to him about how trying his best to do things independently, such as putting on his socks and coat and remembering his book bag, really helped everyone to leave the house on time. Our new routine became a unique, fun game for my son, who enjoyed collecting his reward stickers (he loves stickers!) and feeling responsible. All this was a distraction from the sadness and stress that I was experiencing. I cannot thank the school enough for supporting my family's well-being. We felt valued and listened to and recognised that we could trust the educators to support us.

Educators can bridge the gap between home and school by being empathetic and flexible. This will create a collaborative learning environment. Studies indicate that empathy plays a crucial role in increasing parental involvement, which can strengthen the foundation for successful educational partnerships.

Strategy 5: Educate and empower parents as partners

Empowering parents/carers as partners in their child's education is significant in ensuring long-term engagement. Educators need to provide parents/carers with the necessary knowledge, resources, and tools to navigate the complicated world of early childhood education. This can be achieved through informative workshops, resources on child development, or guidance on fostering a love for learning at home. By involving parents in essential decision-making processes, goal-setting endeavours, and curriculum planning initiatives, educators can create shared responsibility and collaboration where every voice is valued, and every contribution is esteemed.

In summary, promoting parent/carer engagement in Early Years education is a complex undertaking that requires partnership from educators, parents/carers, and the wider community. Educators can create an environment where children can prosper and thrive by adopting approaches such as transparent communication, regular progress updates, inclusive community spaces, empathy and understanding, and empowering parents/carers as partners. We can pave the way towards a brighter and more fulfilling future for future generations through cooperative partnerships built on mutual respect and shared goals.