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Equal opportunities and diversity
summer term the vice chancellor of a local university spoke about the nature and role of universities in general. Attendance was consistently high but the parental population varied with each meeting. The underlying agenda was the parents’ own education – that might have been cut short for a number of reasons. Recognising that they could be more helpful to their children if they had information about routes into learning some began to see that there were still opportunities for themselves. Successes
The involvement of parents has continued and their involvement has spread, for example, all the parents attending a recent governors’ meeting were ‘gifted and talented’ parents. Their improved understanding has supported their children and the gifted and talented initiative. Examination results have improved. Parents are now more willing to discuss their children’s progress informally with the gifted and talented coordinator after parents’ meetings. Barriers to parental involvement are not based on a lack of understanding but lack of opportunity and knowledge. It is important for schools to listen to students’ parents if they are going to help in supporting inner city schools to the benefit of their children’s education. ( Source : adapted from Jenny Martin, City of Leicester School )
Contact
For further information contact Jenny Martin oadbyjenny@aol.com