Working as a School Psychologist is like coaching a diverse team. Parents often worry that their child is struggling to keep up with the “game” of school, and the psychologist, like a seasoned coach, understands that every player has unique strengths and challenges. They invite the parent to join the “coaching staff”, working together to develop a game plan that supports the child’s academic and emotional needs. Through this collaborative effort, they address underlying issues and foster a supportive environment where the student thrives. By bridging the gap between home and school, the psychologist and parent team demonstrates that effective family involvement is crucial for the student’s overall success and wellbeing.
A disconnect between the family unit, school environment, and student voice is a guaranteed indicator of poor student wellbeing. It is within the confines of familial structures that a child’s social, emotional, and cognitive development is profoundly shaped (Bronfenbrenner, 1979), and we see firsthand the transformative power parent involvement has when exercised early on. In the realm of school psychology, it is widely accepted that the intricate dynamics of family and parenting play a pivotal role in shaping a child’s academic and emotional trajectory. Thus, our approach emphasises the importance of developing collaborative external partnerships and recognising that parents are lifelong promoters of their children’s development and learning (Đurišić & Bunijevac, 2017).
VITAL ROLE OF FAMILY COLLABORATION
Research consistently shows that parent involvement in schooling and collaboration with teachers leads to happier, more successful children (Kim et al., 2012). Family involvement is crucial for children’s learning, promoting school success, and preparing youth for higher education. Children whose parents are actively engaged in their education tend to have higher academic achievement, better social skills, and improved behaviour (Harvard Graduate School of Education, 2006).
At AISL Harrow Shenzhen, we understand that parental involvement is far more impactful than weekly counselling sessions with children alone. Parents spend a significant amount of time with their children, making them instrumental in providing understanding and support. By collaborating with parents, we ensure that the support provided at school is reinforced at home, creating a consistent and nurturing environment for students.
BENEFITS OF PARENTAL SUPPORT
The benefits of parent involvement in education are well-documented. According to research, children whose parents participate in school activities and provide support with homework tend to perform better academically and exhibit higher levels of social competence (Đurišić & Bunijevac, 2017). Additionally, parental involvement has been linked to lower rates of delinquency and higher rates of academic growth (Harvard Graduate School of Education, 2006).
POSITIVE OUTCOMES OF PARENTAL COLLABORATION WITH TEACHERS AND PASTORAL LEADS INCLUDE:
- Improved student perceptions and attitudes about school: When parents are involved in their children’s education, students tend to have a more positive attitude towards school. This enhances their overall school experience.
- Increased attendance: Engaged parents are more likely to ensure their children attend school regularly, leading to improved attendance rates.
- Higher levels of engagement and work completion: Students whose parents are involved in their education are more likely to be engaged in their studies and complete their assignments on time.
- Improved study habits: Parental involvement helps students develop effective study habits, which are essential for academic success.
- Higher levels of achievement: Active parent participation is associated with higher academic achievement, as students receive consistent support and encouragement both at school and at home.
- Higher rates of prosocial behaviours: Children with involved parents tend to exhibit behaviours which are more prosocial, including cooperation, empathy, and respect for others.
STRATEGIES FOR ENHANCING PARENT OUTREACH
One of our key goals is to improve parent outreach through various initiatives. We understand that effective communication and collaboration with parents are essential for fostering a supportive learning environment.
SOME OF OUR STRATEGIES INCLUDE:
- Parent workshops: We organise workshops for parents on topics such as child development, effective parenting strategies, and supporting learning at home. These workshops provide valuable insights and practical tips for parents to help their children succeed.
- Group counselling: Group counselling sessions offer parents a platform to share their experiences, seek advice, and hear each other. These sessions are facilitated by our School Psychologists and ensure that parents receive professional guidance.
- Engagement events: Events such as “Stay and Chat”, parent-teacher conferences, and coffee mornings provide opportunities for parents to engage with teachers and school staff in an informal setting. These events foster open communication and build strong relationships between parents and the school community.
- Open-door policy: We uphold an open-door policy, encouraging parents to visit the school and discuss their children’s needs with teachers and pastoral leads. This approach ensures that parents have a good understanding of their child’s progress and can collaborate with the school to provide appropriate support.
THE ROLE OF TEACHERS AND PASTORAL LEADS
Our teachers, pastoral leads, and senior leadership members play a crucial role in facilitating parent partnerships. By consistently reaching out to support and empower parents with knowledge and resources, we can help our children thrive.
Teachers and pastoral leads work closely with parents to understand each child’s unique needs and strengths. By maintaining regular communication and providing personalised support, we create a holistic approach to education that addresses both academic and emotional wellbeing.
COLLABORATIVE EXTERNAL ALLIANCES
Parent and community involvement is essential for enhancing student learning outcomes and overall wellbeing. At Harrow Shenzhen, we are committed to developing collaborative external partnerships that support our students’ success. By working closely with parents, we create a nurturing environment that fosters academic achievement, positive attitudes towards school, and prosocial behaviours.
Our efforts to improve parent outreach through workshops, group counselling, engagement events, and an open-door policy have yielded positive results. We have seen improved student perceptions, increased attendance, higher levels of engagement, and better study habits. Ultimately, our goal is to ensure that every child at Harrow Shenzhen receives the support they need to reach their full potential.
Recognising the vital role that parents play as key partners in their children’s education, we can create a brighter future for our students and make a lasting impact on their academic success and overall wellbeing.
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