Lesson 2 of 6 · 6 min · 8-card deck

Working with parents and carers

Building partnership without losing professional ground.

Parents and carers are your most important partners. The same family supporting their child's learning at home will achieve far more than the most brilliant teacher working alone. Build the relationship early and deliberately: a phone call home in the first fortnight to share something positive is worth its weight in gold.

Communication should be regular, prompt, and professional. Reply to emails within school timelines (typically 48 hours). Use school systems (Class Charts, ClassDojo, Edulink) rather than personal channels. Keep a record of every significant interaction.

Active recall flashcards

Work through every card. Try to answer in your head before flipping — the act of retrieving is what builds durable memory.

Card 1 of 80 understood

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Practice scenario

A new teacher rings home for every pupil in the first three weeks — sharing one positive observation about each. Behaviour, engagement and parental support all noticeably improve, and difficult conversations later in the year start from a foundation of trust.

Try this in your classroom

Make positive contact home in the first fortnight.
Reply within school timelines, via school systems only.
Prepare for difficult conversations — facts, evidence, desired outcome.
Don't over-promise — refer up rather than retract later.