I have attempted to capture all tweets tagged #SLTChat, from all participants. I have made no attempt to categorise. Where tweets are in response to a tweet, the earlier tweet is shown. I apologise now if I have missed any. I may also have duplicated some.
If research tells us just how critical engaging with families is then do we give the issue enough airtime? We are tonight at 20:00 GMT #SLTchat hosted by @smfeasey ~ Community Engagement ~ please join us @AlmaHarris1 @janetifimust @ParentHub_UK @parentforumscot pic.twitter.com/hQDzkUDJRU
— #SLTchat (@SLTchat) March 11, 2018
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Really looking forward to tonight’s @SLTchat hosted by the very knowledgeable and thoughtful @smfeasey If you aren’t familiar with Simon’s passion for community engagement & belief in meaningful partnerships then check out: https://t.co/VgcUNUKnTh
See you at 8pm #sltchat pic.twitter.com/78YhduD7o0
— Kathryn Morgan (@KLMorgan_2) March 11, 2018
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Not long to go now! We are talking Community Engagement hosted by @smfeasey #SLTchat at 20:00 GMT @karen_mapp
“Family engagement is not optional. It is not an idea that can sit on a shelf until we determine we have the time or interest.@DrSConstantino pic.twitter.com/xr8njsRgzx
— #SLTchat (@SLTchat) March 11, 2018
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— #SLTchat (@SLTchat) March 11, 2018
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#SLTchat A1: It can do. For me it’s all about relationships. If we focus on the attainment gap we can lose sight of building positive relationships. Community and family engagement should be everyone’s business.
— Mrs Lindsey Watkins (@LindsWatkins) March 11, 2018
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Any focus that isn’t about partnership, detracts from partnership. I think it’s about priorities. Many schools have competing priorities and sometimes the focus on attainment is all consuming. Sadly. #SLTchat
— Carly Waterman (@621carly) March 11, 2018
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If we keep upping the stakes on closing the academic gap where does that leave those parents who might already be feeling inadequate? How do we account for that? #SLTChat
— #SLTchat (@SLTchat) March 11, 2018
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I would be more worried if a school is focusing on the attainment gap that much that parents are an after thought! #SLTchat
— Mrs Schillaci (@dschillaci82) March 11, 2018
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It’s all about barriers to learning and understanding what these are and how to break them… sometimes lots of steps need taking before their is any impact in attainment #SLTchat
— Mr B (@MrB_online) March 11, 2018
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I would have thought that effective community and parental engagement and sustainability will eventually lead to a natural closure of any academic gaps
— Ben Pearce (@CoPADeputy) March 11, 2018
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Always a great idea but easy said than done… in my experience attendance is always low #SLTChat
— Mr B (@MrB_online) March 11, 2018
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#SLTchat partnership should start from Year 6…..see every student as a link to a parent and that the link needs to stay strong throughout their time at the school #startstrongstaystrong
— Mrs Schillaci (@dschillaci82) March 11, 2018
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I am secondary….apologies was talking from moment child is aware of what school they have been given
— Mrs Schillaci (@dschillaci82) March 11, 2018
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a1 #Sltchat The focus should be on the child, aware of current and future needs, to fine tune the journey, coaching and mentoring as needed to encourage and guide.
— Chris Chivers #FBPE (@ChrisChivers2) March 11, 2018
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Yes. Visiting inclusive schools showed this in many forms, depending on local context and available expertise. Make it someone’s coordinating role. #SLTchat
— Chris Chivers #FBPE (@ChrisChivers2) March 11, 2018
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We know that parental involvement has a MASSIVE impact on outcomes – loads of research to back this up so it’s a no brainer. Equally those relationships are so important to ensure effective active safeguarding and wellbeing. It’s about whole family engagement #SLTCHAT @SLTchat
— Lisa fathers (@lisafathersAFL) March 11, 2018
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Relationships with families are crucial. In my experience, with strongly forged relationships, parents work closely with schools because they want the best for their children. There’s no need for them to feel inadequate if those who support them in school are sensitive. #SLTchat
— Carly Waterman (@621carly) March 11, 2018
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We use Structured Conversations with guidelines that are adhered to and ensure most of the conversation can be steered by the parents and not us., this way they more happily open up and sometimes we find out things about the family we didn’t know. #SLTchat
— Bretta (@2106Head) March 11, 2018
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Yes, because it works.
— Bretta (@2106Head) March 11, 2018
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Completely agree, Carly. This is about investing in those relationships and building up trust. In order to achieve this we must always come from a place of compassion rather than judgement so that there is complete transparency #sltchat
— Kathryn Morgan (@KLMorgan_2) March 11, 2018
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Some parents have historical disengagement not just with education but that particular school their pupils may be attending; we need to work with them so they see the value of their pupils engagement at school
— David McGrath🏳️🌈 (@MrDavidMcGrath) March 11, 2018
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They can be the toughest to crack. But really their disengagement is based on fear. If you show them they don’t need to be afraid. That school is their constant, their support, their friend, their advocate – you can transform that disengagement. I’ve seen this happen. #SLTchat
— Carly Waterman (@621carly) March 11, 2018
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Agreed – they are often grown up disengaged students, with negative school experiences themselves, who see school as an extension of authority and are very fearful. Have to break down the barriers and build trust one family at a time #sltchat
— Relentless Optimism (@ROptimism) March 11, 2018
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In Ontario – as I am sure in other areas as well – this is a big challenge especially with our Indigenous communities/parents. One step at a time in building trust. #SLTchat
— Jenni Donohoo (@Jenni_Donohoo) March 11, 2018
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And we do need to raise awareness of and seek to understand how Power works in our communities… #SLTchat pic.twitter.com/r0GnDQrCWv
— #SLTchat (@SLTchat) March 11, 2018
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Quite – if parents see school staff as authority figures with power to punish or reward trust is hard to establish. We need to speak to parents as our equals.
— Southgloshead (@Southgloshead) March 11, 2018
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Yep. Agree. Parents often feel fear and see school as the enemy. It’s important to show them that we are all on the same side. #SLTchat
— Carly Waterman (@621carly) March 11, 2018
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Its hard though, as we know the long game for the pupils learning is being played, they may not make evident progress straight away bit the skills the acquire will help them in the future. Some parents want results then and there #SLTchat
— David McGrath🏳️🌈 (@MrDavidMcGrath) March 11, 2018
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True. So it goes back to relationships, candour and managing expectations with sensitivity and clarity. There’s no quick fix. Just relationships. #SLTchat
— Carly Waterman (@621carly) March 11, 2018
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And relationships are key… @robert_loe … Agree it’s not a quick fix – it’s a change of ethos, from concentration on “The School” to concentration on “Learning” (in and out of school)
— janet goodall (@janetifimust) March 11, 2018
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And important to realise that often, it’s nothing to do with the school now, but everything to do with the school they attended…
— janet goodall (@janetifimust) March 11, 2018
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Sometimes it really is to do with sch now though, & the ones their kids have attended. 11yr old son starting 9th placement in Sept. #SLTchat
— StarlightMcKenzie (@StarlightMcKenz) March 12, 2018
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#sltchat not necessarily, it can be dependent on the measures you take to help close that gap; we know that achievement will breed motivation, closing the gap for some o these pupils will have a+ impact on other areas of their lives
— David McGrath🏳️🌈 (@MrDavidMcGrath) March 11, 2018
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Cultural predisposition to passing the buck perhaps? 11% of UK parents regularly help their children with homework, compared to 62% of India’s parents. Attitude seems to be UK teachers must miraculously close attainment gap all by themselves (and raise everyone’s kids?) #SLTchat
— Mike Dowling (@MDowlingfleet) March 11, 2018
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Not passing the buck. Social policy and obsession with education as a form of family control.
— StarlightMcKenzie (@StarlightMcKenz) March 12, 2018
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Nice answer and could well be 😜 Are you suggesting the UK parenting masses are consciously resisting state hegemony by not following Indian parents’ penchant for homework? Please explain…
— Mike Dowling (@MDowlingfleet) March 12, 2018
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Zero hour contracts, necessary dual incomes, time poverty, stress and mental health of parents due to immoral welfare sanctions and living in constant state of fear, poor nutrition, – all increasing due to gov policy. They aren’t divorced from parental educational input ability.
— StarlightMcKenzie (@StarlightMcKenz) March 12, 2018
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Or perhaps the methods of teaching have changed? Even possible the standard of education some parents got was not enough to support their children? #sltchat
— Martin Matthews (@mm684) March 11, 2018
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A1 focusing on ‘gaps’ just promotes more deficit models of development rather than the positives that exist with true partnerships #SLTchat
— George Gilchrist (@GilchristGeorge) March 11, 2018
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#SLTchat We have to stay true to our values and what we believe in. Sustainable change can happen if we build lasting relationships. https://t.co/xCiU535e8w
— Mrs Lindsey Watkins (@LindsWatkins) March 11, 2018
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Science workshops for parents. Including practicals. Improves engagement and enjoyment and shows parents how far schools have come since they were at school.
— Professor Pedagogue (@Prof_Pedagogue) March 11, 2018
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Pressure from who? I would say the Head should be strong enough to question someone’s credibility if a gap is more important than a child #sltchat
— Mrs Schillaci (@dschillaci82) March 11, 2018
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As mentioned Heads need to have conviction of knowing they are doing their best by their student’s….not that they are doing best by the gap. #mythbusters about Ofsted are actually trying to change this mindset
— Mrs Schillaci (@dschillaci82) March 11, 2018
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Completely agree, Carly. This is about investing in those relationships and building up trust. In order to achieve this we must always come from a place of compassion rather than judgement so that there is complete transparency #sltchat
— Kathryn Morgan (@KLMorgan_2) March 11, 2018
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Building Trust , building partnerships, building relationships, they are not givens. #SLTChat
— Kerry Jordan-Daus (@KerryJordanDaus) March 11, 2018
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Sure. And that is not easy. It takes huge amounts of time. Relentless effort. And sometimes it feels like you’re banging your head against a brick wall. But it’s so important to persevere. Families need us not to give up on them. No matter what. #SLTchat
— Carly Waterman (@621carly) March 11, 2018
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Totally agree. Every minute investing in parent partnerships is worth it. There comes a tipping point when the vast majority pull in the same direction and that’s powerful. It’s a movement.
— Carswell Head (@tinafarr1972) March 11, 2018
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#SLTchat A1 Using parents (and other family members) can help to close any gaps if the parents are engaged! Although, trying to engage with as many parents as possible is the best way for ALL children to succeed in school!
— MrLockettsMathsApps (@MrLsMathsApps) March 11, 2018
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#sltchat That’d be great! Also a “how to understand the jargon your teacher uses”. With cake.
— Piers Young (@piersyoung) March 11, 2018
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I don’t recall ever using the word gap with a parent. That’s the language of SLT; not appropriate with parents. Parents don’t care about how their child is doing compared to others, they just care about their child. The discussion is about the child and their potential. #SLTchat
— Carly Waterman (@621carly) March 11, 2018
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Sure. Comparisons abound, but ultimately when it comes down to the bones of it, don’t we, as parents, want to elevate our children to rejoice in who they are, what they have to give and how they relate to others? And not to care about how they compare? #SLTchat
— Carly Waterman (@621carly) March 11, 2018
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Sure. Comparisons abound, but ultimately when it comes down to the bones of it, don’t we, as parents, want to elevate our children to rejoice in who they are, what they have to give and how they relate to others? And not to care about how they compare? #SLTchat
— Carly Waterman (@621carly) March 11, 2018
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We do, but we also need the info. to make holistic decisions and comparative info is a key part of that. Patronising to think not. #sltchat
— StarlightMcKenzie (@StarlightMcKenz) March 12, 2018
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Genuinely apologetic if my response came across as patronising. Not my intention at all. My approach with families is entirely about respect and transparency. I worry that some schools place too much emphasis on comparison and not enough on the child. #SLTchat
— Carly Waterman (@621carly) March 12, 2018
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Okay. Yes. I see your point. That can be problematic for sure. And especially if it triggers a competition or fear that drives inappropriate demands of the sch, or child. But some of us aren’t competitive, just require quality info to make decisions about how we use family time.
— StarlightMcKenzie (@StarlightMcKenz) March 12, 2018
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Thank you. That’s so good to hear – and important for educators to remember. I’m the same with my own daughter – I want all the info so I can make a judgement about what we’ll spend time on and what we’ll not worry about. 😊 #SLTchat
— Carly Waterman (@621carly) March 12, 2018
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#sltchat Really? I’ve certainly had conversations with parents who are more interested in how their child compares to others than what their child needs to do next.
— Piers Young (@piersyoung) March 11, 2018
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Sure. Some parents do. Ironically as a parent I’m a bit like that myself! ☺
IME, parents want to think you are regarding their child as the centre of the universe (as they do)- so focusing on the child’s potential, rather than comparison with others, feeds that need. #SLTchat— Carly Waterman (@621carly) March 11, 2018
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I don’t think many parents think that at all. 5yr son is bottom of his class. No-one has told me. But b/c I know I can monitor. #SLTchat
— StarlightMcKenzie (@StarlightMcKenz) March 12, 2018
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I agree that if we become too fixated with comparisons/attainment/gaps etc then the individual child can get lost. It’s why the challenge of parents is a good thing. It grounds us and reminds us that these are children, not numbers on a spreadsheet. #SLTchat
— Carly Waterman (@621carly) March 11, 2018
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And also – the children in the middle get lost…
— janet goodall (@janetifimust) March 11, 2018
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Absolutely, especially if they are quiet girls.
— Sue (@eleonorasfalcon) March 11, 2018
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Exactly! They want a discussion about their child’s progress #SLTChat
— Mrs Singleton (@MrsSingleton) March 11, 2018
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Why don’t you ask parents what they want, rather than make a judgement about what info you believe they ought to want? @SLTchat
— StarlightMcKenzie (@StarlightMcKenz) March 12, 2018
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Absolutely. Always do. That’s how I build trust. Remembering to listen is so important; as is respecting the parents’ views and feelings. In my experience, parents want schools to ‘know’ their child and support them as individuals, rather than compare them to others. #SLTchat
— Carly Waterman (@621carly) March 12, 2018
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Okay, But we need to know how about comparison because skills aren’t indpendent variables. Countries differ in what they expect kids to know and when. We need to know how our kid is doing compared to what they are expected to know in our cultural context so we can support or not.
— StarlightMcKenzie (@StarlightMcKenz) March 12, 2018
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Agree, shouldn’t be all about the ‘gap’ should be about the progress potential and how we can work together for the best for the children. #SLTchat
— Bretta (@2106Head) March 11, 2018
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Completely agree. Life might *expect* CYP to compete, but as a parent, I only care where my child is in relation to his potential, not ‘averages’
— Claire Ryan (@Claire_Ryan12) March 12, 2018
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#SLTchat Our best resource in securing better learner achievement and attainment, outside the school, is parental and community engagement. I think @janetifimust would agree. But this has to be centre stage not an after thought.
— Alma Harris (@AlmaHarris1) March 11, 2018
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#SLTChat Our challenge is to find ways to engage with community’s where Trust is absent.
— Kerry Jordan-Daus (@KerryJordanDaus) March 11, 2018
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Agreed, entirely – and that can take time – and it certainly takes a clear plan and dedication – *and* leadership from the top
— janet goodall (@janetifimust) March 11, 2018
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I do agree, entirely! When school staff and families work in partnership, learning can only benefit.
— janet goodall (@janetifimust) March 11, 2018
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And accepting engagement when parents are attempting it.
— StarlightMcKenzie (@StarlightMcKenz) March 12, 2018
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We use Structured Conversations with guidelines that are adhered to and ensure most of the conversation can be steered by the parents and not us., this way they more happily open up and sometimes we find out things about the family we didn’t know. #SLTchat
— Bretta (@2106Head) March 11, 2018
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Yes, because it works.
— Bretta (@2106Head) March 11, 2018
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Would you be able to share examples of Structured Conversations? I’m really interested in this approach.
— Mark Pritchard (@MrMPritchard) March 11, 2018
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Look up Achievement for All, Structured Conversations – there is a wealth of information out there with a Handbook and training powerpoint available #SLTchat
— Bretta (@2106Head) March 11, 2018
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As mentioned Heads need to have conviction of knowing they are doing their best by their student’s….not that they are doing best by the gap. #mythbusters about Ofsted are actually trying to change this mindset
— Mrs Schillaci (@dschillaci82) March 11, 2018
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#SLTchat Holistic approaches, tailored to evident needs might be needed for some individual situations. Analyse, plan and action; evaluate, refine…
— Chris Chivers #FBPE (@ChrisChivers2) March 11, 2018
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Agree, shouldn’t be all about the ‘gap’ should be about the progress potential and how we can work together for the best for the children. #SLTchat
— Bretta (@2106Head) March 11, 2018
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Time. Attention. Genuine care. Small gestures of kindness. Build trust. Listen. Don’t dismiss. Don’t patronise. Smile. Joke. Contact regularly. Just be lovely. That’s my approach anyway. ☺ #SLTchat
— Carly Waterman (@621carly) March 11, 2018
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Yeah, it’s always worked for me. 😊 #SLTchat
— Carly Waterman (@621carly) March 11, 2018
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We have run this before with vulnerable parents….such a great experience! And changed parent/school relationships #SLTchat
— Mrs Schillaci (@dschillaci82) March 11, 2018
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A1. This really troubles me-we all want 2get it right for our kids 2give then the best poss future but we must also factor the dev of the whole child to ensure they can both academically and socially face the world on an equal footing & the many challenges life brings #SLTchat
— Christalla Jamil (@ChristallaJ) March 11, 2018
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A1. Partnerships with similar and dissimilar settings have allowed us to increase our effectiveness by learning from others- it’s pivotal to our CPD to learn from each other- hence the importance of evidence based research #SLTChat
— Christalla Jamil (@ChristallaJ) March 11, 2018
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A1. This involves all stakeholders to include pupils, parents, staff and external agencies too #SLTchat
— Christalla Jamil (@ChristallaJ) March 11, 2018
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Collective teacher efficacy has a lot to do with whether or not teachers feel confident to engage parents. Build teacher efficacy to increase community and home partnerships. #sltchat @smfeasey
— Jenni Donohoo (@Jenni_Donohoo) March 11, 2018
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When we think about Partnerships and community in the broadest sense we need to remember schools are ‘better together’ and teaching schools, primary liaison and all those other S2S partnerships are critical. @SLTchat #Sltchat
— Lisa fathers (@lisafathersAFL) March 11, 2018
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Every family desires that their children exceed them in their quality of life. Family engagement ensures that can happen. #SLTchat
— Steve Constantino (@DrSConstantino) March 11, 2018
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it’ll be their own experiences when they were younger; sometimes even comments like ‘I was never good at maths….’ can be detrimental to pupil viewpoints
— David McGrath🏳️🌈 (@MrDavidMcGrath) March 11, 2018
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Yes, absolutely. Poor old maths is often the first subject that people feel open to discuss their experiences/ difficulties.
— #SLTchat (@SLTchat) March 11, 2018
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Sometimes it can be as easy as demonstrating to parents the context in which they are succeeding with their maths so they can do the same for their child
— David McGrath🏳️🌈 (@MrDavidMcGrath) March 11, 2018
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Sometimes the reason is because they have negative experiences as parents in their kids schools now. #SLTchat
— StarlightMcKenzie (@StarlightMcKenz) March 12, 2018
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Any ‘gap’, academic, social or any other, cannot be closed just through one body. The gap starts so much earlier than any school.
A school has a key role to play but highlighting a gap in accountability measures simply makes schools scapegoats
— Ben Pearce (@CoPADeputy) March 11, 2018
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All schools should make sure no parent is unreachable, and must be innovative to ensure this is the case in order to build effective partnerships #sltchat
— Dean Watson (@MrDWatson90) March 11, 2018
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#SLTchat A holistic approach that starts the moment someone enters our building. We have 3 mantras: its all about relationships, relationships have to be negotiated all of the time & for partnerships to work the partners have to have yes written in their hearts. https://t.co/ArFINf4UyV
— Mrs Lindsey Watkins (@LindsWatkins) March 11, 2018
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Yes, often their own experiences can build up a bit of a wall. These are great initiatives to ensure we have complete transparency and establish a sense of common ground.
— #SLTchat (@SLTchat) March 11, 2018
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A1. Partnerships with similar and dissimilar settings have allowed us to increase our effectiveness by learning from others- it’s pivotal to our CPD to learn from each other- hence the importance of evidence based research #SLTChat
— Christalla Jamil (@ChristallaJ) March 11, 2018
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#sltchat I really think that working with parents on pupil expectations not just on their learning but pastorally too; expectations on community behaviour, online presence, attitude to culture etc. is so important
— David McGrath🏳️🌈 (@MrDavidMcGrath) March 11, 2018
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No. Schools deal with behaviours IN school and should butt out of interfering with their parenting or educating outside of school. #SLTchat
— StarlightMcKenzie (@StarlightMcKenz) March 12, 2018
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Hmmmm the pupils we receive are moulded by their experiences in and out of sch, shouldn’t we have a +input on those times that affect us?
— David McGrath🏳️🌈 (@MrDavidMcGrath) March 12, 2018
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No. Because you are making a judgement about quality of experiences outside of school. Not your place. If concerned, SS, otherwise leave.
— StarlightMcKenzie (@StarlightMcKenz) March 12, 2018
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Agree that no judgement should be made, support and clearly modelled examples can help those families who may have never experienced a +strong family unit #gooddebate
— David McGrath🏳️🌈 (@MrDavidMcGrath) March 12, 2018
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Do these families tell you they have problems arising from lack of experiences in a strong family unit? It’s a judgement approach to assume.
— StarlightMcKenzie (@StarlightMcKenz) March 12, 2018
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👏🏼 definitely non judgemental is the way forward. Also being able to listen to the verbal and notice the non verbal. #sltchat
— Mrs Singleton (@MrsSingleton) March 11, 2018
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#SLTchat a2 TIC TAC TOE; team, including child, around child, of expertise. Graduated approaches…
— Chris Chivers #FBPE (@ChrisChivers2) March 11, 2018
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A1 Like others have said a school may have several priorities including attainment gaps and partnerships. We need to remember a school serves a community and for that to really happen partnerships are vital. #SLTchat
— KERANJIT KAUR (@keran77) March 11, 2018
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Absolutely. Is there ever such a thing as a ‘hard to reach family?’ Is this about language and mindset? #SLTchat https://t.co/E7b9VRck8y
— #SLTchat (@SLTchat) March 11, 2018
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Absolutely about us seeking to understand, to listen (really listen) and make ourselves not hard to reach. #SLTChat
— #SLTchat (@SLTchat) March 11, 2018
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Hard to reach family? We have many families that don’t come into school, don’t read letters, have incorrect phone numbers on the system. Those are hard to reach.
— Ian Addison (@ianaddison) March 11, 2018
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have ran workshops, coffee mornings, invited them to see ch’s work, emply 2 home-school link workers too
— Ian Addison (@ianaddison) March 11, 2018
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ours are all English (except 2 out of 500+) so we don’t even have that excuse!
— Ian Addison (@ianaddison) March 11, 2018
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That’s tough and I bet that makes it very much harder in some cases to win the parents over due to their experiences. With the number of parents from abroad we still have the notion that teachers should be revered. That’s the parents not always the students!
— SpecialK (@Akaria35) March 11, 2018
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They are hard to reach if you keep a school centric mind set. Work how they do like to communicate and do that instead
— Grinchyface (@retiredgrinch) March 11, 2018
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#sltchat Does the focus have to be on homework/what did you learn today? Lots of the stress I see with parents/children revolves around that. Richard Feynman’s mum had a nice/different approach (“What questions did you ask today?”)
— Piers Young (@piersyoung) March 11, 2018
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Does the focus have to be on school? A child’s education goes beyond our gates …
— Graham Newell (@Graham_IRISC) March 11, 2018
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Agreed. How often are schools unaware of what/how much is being learned outside?
— Piers Young (@piersyoung) March 11, 2018
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Agreed – they are often grown up disengaged students, with negative school experiences themselves, who see school as an extension of authority and are very fearful. Have to break down the barriers and build trust one family at a time #sltchat
— Relentless Optimism (@ROptimism) March 11, 2018
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#SLTchat Learning at home isn’t about homework. @janetifimust https://t.co/I59CLg1C9U
— With Equal Step (@WithEqualStep) March 11, 2018
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So true! No homework does not help children to reinforce lessons from school and develop mastery of school subject matter, but too much homework doesn’t let families take part in other enriching learning activities ay home #balance #familyengagement
— Max Antony-Newman (@maxantonynewman) March 11, 2018
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Learning at home is about the home learning environment – of which homework is a very, very small part… See the work of K Sylva!
— janet goodall (@janetifimust) March 11, 2018
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#SLTChat pic.twitter.com/loKGwQT7zn
— #SLTchat (@SLTchat) March 11, 2018
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Having a designated family support officer, who is there to give a wide range of support to families, is a great way to learn about what families want and need. #sltchat
— Michele Thomas (@HeadPdcs) March 11, 2018
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Yes – and talking to all members of staff – SENCOs know families in a way other teachers may not, for example…
— janet goodall (@janetifimust) March 11, 2018
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A2 I catch up with parents at the end of the day ‘how are you?’ Inviting parents to take part in activities with their children has worked at our school. This week all parents are invited to do a science challenge with their children. It’s practical and engaging. #SLTchat
— KERANJIT KAUR (@keran77) March 11, 2018
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Break barriers down, e.g perceptions of parents of teachers. Such as e.g ‘I also was raised on a council estate’ and ‘I also know what its like to be a parent’. A lot of them think teachers are privately educated or from some rich background detached from their own…. #sltchat
— Professor Pedagogue (@Prof_Pedagogue) March 11, 2018
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I don’t. I just think majority have had poor training in SEND &most don’t feel very confident in it. Pretending not so is a barrier #SLTchat
— StarlightMcKenzie (@StarlightMcKenz) March 12, 2018
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It’s important to set specific meetings that are focused on listening and feedback. To do this you need structured processes like Susan Scott Team Conversation model or Nancy Kline Thinking Environment #SLTchat
— Nicole Fowles (@nfowles5) March 12, 2018
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Before any positive academic outcomes can be gleaned from FE, first their needs to be a trusting relationship. The only way to attain trust is to earn it.#SLTchat
— Steve Constantino (@DrSConstantino) March 11, 2018
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I use that one with my kids 😉 #SLTchat
— Mr B (@MrB_online) March 11, 2018
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#SLTChat Our challenge is to find ways to engage with community’s where Trust is absent.
— Kerry Jordan-Daus (@KerryJordanDaus) March 11, 2018
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Agreed, entirely – and that can take time – and it certainly takes a clear plan and dedication – *and* leadership from the top
— janet goodall (@janetifimust) March 11, 2018
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Getting our parents to really talk to us about their family situation has had a huge impact. However, you only get 1 chance to prove to them that you have the power to help them. This is how trust is built. #SLTchat
— Southgloshead (@Southgloshead) March 11, 2018
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Spot on! It’s all about trust, without that it’s a non starter! Getting trust from individuals and the whole community can take a lot of time and energy #SLTChat
— Mr B (@MrB_online) March 11, 2018
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So true…#parentalengagement #communitycohesion
— Ifthakar Khaliq (@ifthakar_khaliq) March 11, 2018
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A2 have to listen with desire to understand the stories and how they impact on holistic development, then demonstrate hearing what is said by ethical actions #SLTchat
— George Gilchrist (@GilchristGeorge) March 11, 2018
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A2: before we look at how we listen, we must firstly accept that we don’t know everything and that we need to listen in order to best support the child, whether this to be colleagues, parents or external agencies #sltchat
— Dean Watson (@MrDWatson90) March 11, 2018
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I have found that the only way to think differently and narrow that gap is to work in partnership- think beyond your own setting otherwise you become an island. Leadership is about giving things away- the partnerships keep me alive and help me reflect!
— Academy St James (@church_prim) March 11, 2018
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Yes, leadership really matters. I like this from John Smyth on Inclusive Leadership >>> pic.twitter.com/QJVbVd7W5O
— #SLTchat (@SLTchat) March 11, 2018
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For me the most important thing is that you are not afraid to learn and by working in partnership you risk all- you become vulnerable- don’t be afraid of saying what I am doing needs to change-working in partnership with the #community at the centre is so important.
— Academy St James (@church_prim) March 11, 2018
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A1 100% agree we are all in need of improvement – I say we @Eastfield_EN3 are a sch that never sleeps- always seeking to change, adapt or tweet to meet the ever changing needs of our community #SLTChat just need to get it right!
— Christalla Jamil (@ChristallaJ) March 11, 2018
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I agree- things move and change all around us but we keep key things as drivers close to our heart- @informed_edu calls it the Teachers Spirit and this helps us to #collaborate without fear – we believe in the children & what #community can do. This is what supports attainment. pic.twitter.com/lButLyDQ81
— Academy St James (@church_prim) March 11, 2018
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Love that keep doing it 😀
— John Eccleston (@JohnEccleston2) March 11, 2018
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Thanks John!
— Christalla Jamil (@ChristallaJ) March 11, 2018
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A2 #SLTchat I think as professionals we need to lead the way-be the first to show our hand. Modelling behaviours we wish for the parents to display-always mak showing them their child’s wellbeing and education is our no. 1 priority. Bit like good parenting…same songsheet!
— Mrs Schillaci (@dschillaci82) March 11, 2018
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Modelling our expectations is so important and is proven to work: Staff to staff attitudes is so important, pupils need to see that we can all work together professionally and exist around each other #SLTchat
— David McGrath🏳️🌈 (@MrDavidMcGrath) March 11, 2018
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A2. One of my favourite excerpts comes from Margaret Wheatley – Turning to One Another – it’s about giving up our certainty to restore hope to the future. #SLTchat
— Jenni Donohoo (@Jenni_Donohoo) March 11, 2018
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#SLTchat Have visited schools that took meetings into the community, including a room in a pub, to break barriers.
— Chris Chivers #FBPE (@ChrisChivers2) March 11, 2018
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#SLTchat Some schools have buddy parent interpreters on playgrounds to share newsletters or pass on information; harnessing available expertise.
— Chris Chivers #FBPE (@ChrisChivers2) March 11, 2018
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One school called it “Using the wise women and men of the community” – particularly those who already work in/around the school – they see how much teachers care about children and can pass that on!
— janet goodall (@janetifimust) March 11, 2018
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Yes. One school brought a community lead onto the Governors and used this link to transmit essential information. #SLTChat
— Chris Chivers #FBPE (@ChrisChivers2) March 11, 2018
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Yes – such a good idea. One group of HTs asked me to talk about how they could intergrate more with the community – my reply was to stop just talking to other heads and talk to community leaders!
— janet goodall (@janetifimust) March 11, 2018
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Essential to know your community if you want positive engagement.
— Chris Chivers #FBPE (@ChrisChivers2) March 11, 2018
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I know a head teacher who’s had parents’ evenings in local pubs – not sure about that (though she says it’s worked well) but local venues, yes!
— janet goodall (@janetifimust) March 11, 2018
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Some special setting “catchments” are relatively large, so “satellite” venues allow easier meetings, especially if at suitable times.
— Chris Chivers #FBPE (@ChrisChivers2) March 11, 2018
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Yes – and times that don’t conflict with … Cup Finals, Finals of Strictly, etc…!
— janet goodall (@janetifimust) March 11, 2018
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😊👏👏
— Chris Chivers #FBPE (@ChrisChivers2) March 11, 2018
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(To be fair, I learned the hard way – for my EdD, I sent a survey to all the priests in a diocese. In the week leading up to Easter…) 😦
— janet goodall (@janetifimust) March 11, 2018
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A case of knowing thy community?…🤔
— Chris Chivers #FBPE (@ChrisChivers2) March 11, 2018
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Very much so… avoiding religious holidays, for instance (or incorporating them, if appropriate) – eg saying School Picnic rather than BBQ if community has lots of parents who don’t eat meat
— janet goodall (@janetifimust) March 11, 2018
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Agency to agency discussions need to be more efficient, purposeful and with the pupil as the focal point, not just procedural (however procedure does need to be followed). It does feel glacial sometimes though! #sltchat
— David McGrath🏳️🌈 (@MrDavidMcGrath) March 11, 2018
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Sometimes agencies aren’t needed if the school has requested contributions and advice from parents. #SLTchat
— StarlightMcKenzie (@StarlightMcKenz) March 12, 2018
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But agency input can be needed if parental engagement is no existent/low/hard to obtain
— David McGrath🏳️🌈 (@MrDavidMcGrath) March 12, 2018
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Of course. But shouldn’t be schools first choice. Waiting times too long for that for a start.
— StarlightMcKenzie (@StarlightMcKenz) March 12, 2018
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#SLTchat For some parents, schools seem ‘hard to reach’ -This is a reciprocal relationship – not one way. Invitation, inclusion and empathy. https://t.co/CJ1557wyOc
— Alma Harris (@AlmaHarris1) March 11, 2018
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Spot on! It’s all about trust, without that it’s a non starter! Getting trust from individuals and the whole community can take a lot of time and energy #SLTChat
— Mr B (@MrB_online) March 11, 2018
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#SLTchat A2: Knowledge is power. If we listen to one another we gain an understanding. We gain knowledge about the potential barriers to learning, what works and what doesn’t by listening to parents, community partners and wider agencies. It takes a whole village to raise a child https://t.co/EFckcjUsg5
— Mrs Lindsey Watkins (@LindsWatkins) March 11, 2018
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Hard to reach is often a label we give to parents as well. #SLTchat https://t.co/Tsvss7tlH8
— Steve Constantino (@DrSConstantino) March 11, 2018
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Love this idea – if attendance and engagement is low then take it to them! #sltchat
— Relentless Optimism (@ROptimism) March 11, 2018
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From M. Wheatley’s ‘Willing to Be Disturbed’ – when we listen with less judgement, we always develop better relationships with people. #SLTchat
— Jenni Donohoo (@Jenni_Donohoo) March 11, 2018
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A2 #SLTchat perhaps remember that some parents would have had bad experiences of school themselves….supporting them too can have remarkable outcomes. I don’t think anyone has children thinking they want to be bad parents!
— Mrs Schillaci (@dschillaci82) March 11, 2018
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#SLTchat Some schools have buddy parent interpreters on playgrounds to share newsletters or pass on information; harnessing available expertise.
— Chris Chivers #FBPE (@ChrisChivers2) March 11, 2018
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A2 I catch up with parents at the end of the day ‘how are you?’ Inviting parents to take part in activities with their children has worked at our school. This week all parents are invited to do a science challenge with their children. It’s practical and engaging. #SLTchat
— KERANJIT KAUR (@keran77) March 11, 2018
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#SLTChat I recall one of my student teachers talking about “parents unrealistic expectations of their child” … as a parent ( and teacher) I rejoice in unrealistic expectations! Wanting the best …..
— Kerry Jordan-Daus (@KerryJordanDaus) March 11, 2018
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For sure – Pygmalion effect -high expectations become self-fulfilling prophecies as do low! @SLTchat
— Jenni Donohoo (@Jenni_Donohoo) March 11, 2018
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#SLTchat Low expectations feel safer? Fear of failure … we must try to understand.
— Kerry Jordan-Daus (@KerryJordanDaus) March 11, 2018
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We know most families have high aspirations when children are young – but often lack scaffolding to make those aspirations come true…
— janet goodall (@janetifimust) March 11, 2018
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Whose low expectations? So many IEP targets are set at skills kids already have. #SLTchat
— StarlightMcKenzie (@StarlightMcKenz) March 12, 2018
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Bingo. #SLTchat https://t.co/ZxeY2kvwcV
— Steve Constantino (@DrSConstantino) March 11, 2018
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Totally agree. And once the breakthrough comes… just beautiful… for all #SLTChat
— #SLTchat (@SLTchat) March 11, 2018
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#SLTchat Finding that connection, beautiful.
— Kerry Jordan-Daus (@KerryJordanDaus) March 11, 2018
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I agree with you, but if parents really don’t care, then why do teachers? What is this whole attainment gap thing anyway? Where’s the congruence? Why one language for us (and politicians) and another for students and parents? Meanwhile we wonder why there’s a ‘gap’ #SLTchat
— Mike Dowling (@MDowlingfleet) March 11, 2018
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Though we need to ensure we attempt to close ‘gaps’ we must be careful how these gaps are found and are not an inevitable result in how school data is analysed. Like the ‘all above average’ thing. #sltchat
— Professor Pedagogue (@Prof_Pedagogue) March 11, 2018
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Totes agree with you on “we must be careful how these gaps are found and are not an inevitable result in how school data is analysed.”
— Mike Dowling (@MDowlingfleet) March 11, 2018
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I agree that if we become too fixated with comparisons/attainment/gaps etc then the individual child can get lost. It’s why the challenge of parents is a good thing. It grounds us and reminds us that these are children, not numbers on a spreadsheet. #SLTchat
— Carly Waterman (@621carly) March 11, 2018
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Starts at the top. Parents need to see school leaders on the playground in the morning, being friendly & having a chat. #SLTchat
— Southgloshead (@Southgloshead) March 11, 2018
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Agree, out on the playground almost everyday – lots of positive comments about this from parents on the last 2 years questionnaires #SLTchat
— Bretta (@2106Head) March 11, 2018
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#SLTchat We cannot give up, so agree Carly. however difficult – giving up on the family engagement is giving up on the child.
— Kerry Jordan-Daus (@KerryJordanDaus) March 11, 2018
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100% – Has to be a relentless focus and what ever it takes mindset #sltchat
— Relentless Optimism (@ROptimism) March 11, 2018
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Yep. That’s how I feel. And it’s not easy. I recall feeling totally broken by some parents and their relentless negativity, but I just never gave up. I saw beyond it. I saw their fear. I never blamed them. So hard! I cried buckets! But it was worth it in the end. #SLTchat
— Carly Waterman (@621carly) March 11, 2018
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We have high numbers of Eastern European families and have employed a lovely LSA who is Polish and speaks several Eastern European languages. This has broken down so many walls. Not just language based but cultural also. #SLTchat
— Miss Knuckles (@MissKnuckles) March 11, 2018
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#SLTchat That sounds perfect. High quality communication is key to everything!
— Chris Chivers #FBPE (@ChrisChivers2) March 11, 2018
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A2 conduct a needs analysis of ur community encompassing the whole not just the academic &enlist right support at this stage it is key 2 ackn & action not just hear but be proactive – we don’t kn everything -accept that we learn from others 2gether = gt impact than alone #SLTchat
— Christalla Jamil (@ChristallaJ) March 11, 2018
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agree – thats why all of our data tracking is done by photo so that we all keep the child at the centre of everything we do! #sltchat https://t.co/rLjZOZQ6Yu
— Relentless Optimism (@ROptimism) March 11, 2018
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True. So it goes back to relationships, candour and managing expectations with sensitivity and clarity. There’s no quick fix. Just relationships. #SLTchat
— Carly Waterman (@621carly) March 11, 2018
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Yes! 100% relationships on all levels! As leaders we have to model behaviours and expectations for colleagues and parents.
Kindness centred remembering that at the heart of this is a young person!
‘it’s nice to be important but important to be nice!’#sltchat
— Relentless Optimism (@ROptimism) March 11, 2018
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Just ensure its a partnership. Defecit models, implicit or explicit do not foster the best working relationships. We asked all parents for their contributions, what would they like information on, NOT help with… sometimes it’s the way you say it #SLTchat
— Pastoral Priorities (@kayprice82) March 11, 2018
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YES! Could not agree more – it’s not about schools “helping” parents or the other way around – it’s about adults supporting children’s learning – and each other’s.
— janet goodall (@janetifimust) March 11, 2018
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Cross-sector and school type. I’m in a private school, I actively work with anyone and everyone who is passionate about pastoral care & safeguarding. Communicate, collaborate @SLTchat #SLTChat
— Pastoral Priorities (@kayprice82) March 11, 2018
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absolutely – even the challenging conversations! #sltchat https://t.co/mYxBXCzwWI
— Relentless Optimism (@ROptimism) March 11, 2018
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Zadie Smith’s Swing Time has (on pg 41 in my copy) the best description I’ve seen of how some parents can feel about school – “it is still a place where they feel they can be shamed”
— janet goodall (@janetifimust) March 11, 2018
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Thanks #SLTchat enjoyed the chat, all too brief. To summarise, parental and community engagement -the essential components of school improvement, classroom improvement and learner improvement. Simple to say but sometimes hard to achieve, so chats like this help enormously.
— Alma Harris (@AlmaHarris1) March 11, 2018
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(Sorry to be so late joining – traveling down from Manchester today was.,… interesting)
— janet goodall (@janetifimust) March 11, 2018
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Thank you both for engaging. I am now going to take the time to make sense of it all. Some great threads.
— Simon Feasey (@smfeasey) March 11, 2018
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Good heavens! Hats off to all those regularly hosting ‘chats’ on Twitter! Thank you for all of your contributions. I will now trawl through + try to make sense of it all. Keeping track was next to impossible. I tried! Again, thank-you so much. I am going to stay with it @smfeasey
— #SLTchat (@SLTchat) March 11, 2018
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Great chat Simon. Lots of threads with superb contributions. I know how you feel – keeping track is practically impossible! It’s all over so quickly too. Well done though – nice to have a refreshing topic. #SLTchat
— Carly Waterman (@621carly) March 11, 2018
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Big thank you to @KLMorgan_2 for helping me with process for this evening's #SLTChat K could not do anything about me being such an amateur with these things so no fault lies at her door 🙂 Thanks to @TeacherToolkit + @SLTchat team for the opportunity to get the debate out there.
— Simon Feasey (@smfeasey) March 11, 2018
Community Capacity Building 