The introduction of the new Ofsted framework has brought the relationship between parents/carers and schools into even sharper focus. Advice and guidance is available to schools to support them in developing their approach to working with parents, but ahead of the field is the Leading Parent Partnership Award (LPPA).
Developed by Prospects, one of the UK's leading providers of services for the education and skills sector, the Leading Parent Partnership Award (LPPA) programme is recognised by Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) as the quality standard that aims to strengthen and enhance the relationship between parents, children and schools. Leading parental involvement specialist, Professor Charles Desforges states that: “At the age of seven parental influences on learning is six times that of the school. At the age of eleven or twelve parental influence on learning is 30 per cent greater than that of the school. After the age of twelve, children – as they grow and mature – become their own greatest influence. At no point does the school have the greatest influence.” Professor Charles Desforges concludes that “it is what parents do, not who they are, that matters”.
“The Leading Parent Partnership Award Toolkit: Supporting Excellence in Parent Partnership emphasises that the relationship between schools, parents/carers and families are crucial in a child’s educational achievement. This LPPA project is at the forefront of improving home and school communications and in helping children reach their full potential”, said Prospect’s Managing Director, Vincent McDonnell.
At an event to launch the programme’s toolkit and to celebrate Birmingham City Council’s introduction of the Leading Parent Partnership Award pilot scheme in ten schools in the Handsworth area, it is also expected for the pilot programme to be extended across the city of Birmingham.
The Toolkit, a new addition to Prospects’ LPPA programme, guides schools and other educational centres through how to achieve effective parent/carer engagement. The Toolkit includes resources, national best practice and case studies.
LPPA Programme Director Kalpana Patel said: “The Toolkit is one element of our newly-extended LPPA programme. It is a comprehensive package of resources and materials, full of practical ideas and guidance for developing and delivering really effective parent partnership, and supporting schools in meetings new Ofsted requirements”
The programme has support from several significant personalities including: former Central News presenter, Llewela Bailey; parental involvement specialist, Professor Charles Desforges; and Birmingham City Councillor, Matt Bennett.
