1. Partnership with Parents
THE KEY PERSON
Partnership with Parents
© Laser Learning Ltd 2014

2. Parents
Parents are children’s first educators and practitioners need to work closely with them in order to achieve the best outcomes for children.

3. How to share ideas with parents
Through conversation
A home/setting diary
Attending parent /staff sessions
Phone calls
Letters

4. What you need to know from parents
Whether or not the child is well
If the child is particularly tired
If there has been an upset at home
If something exciting is happening at home or a change to routine
Any allergies
What comforts the child
Who is collecting them and at what time.

5. What you need to share with parents
How the child has been during the day
What they enjoyed
What they did not enjoy
What they had to eat and drink
If very young, details of care routines and sleeps
Anything needed for the next day.

6. Development
Observations should be carried out regularly on each child, these should be shared with parents The child’s progress should be shared Any development concerns should be shared.

7. How to build good relationships
Be available
Be interested
Be accepting
Give good eye contact
Invite them to sessions
Get to know them
Give them information

8. How can parents participate in setting life?
Joining play sessions
Coming to sports days
Attending training sessions, e.g. EYFS information
Parents’ evenings
Sharing their particular skills and talents
Reading to children
Coming to have lunch with their child.

9. Barriers to participation
Think about the barriers to parents getting involved, such as:
English being a second language,
Lack of confidence,
Lack of time
Being a full-time carer
Find ways to overcome these barriers and offer support so you can be fully inclusive.

10. Reflect
Creating a good relationship with the parents of your key children (all the children if you are a childminder) is a big responsibility, a vital role and very rewarding for all concerned. Consider your own practice in this area. Could it be improved?