Research shows that parental engagement with schools can dramatically improve pupils' attainment. Compton School in Barnet is leading the way, and believes its high contextual added value (CVA) is in significant part because of this. The school makes telephone calls home a key priority, with most teachers making several calls a night. Good news is communicated as readily as bad. The school also runs a Parenting Skills Support Group, on the premises, and facilitated by a member of the SMT. Many parents speak passionately about the impact of this group on their children's achievement. But perhaps the most dramatic form of engagement is giving parents access to the school's 'e-portal' in which they can access detailed information about their children's achievement and behaviour. This includes Fischer Family Trust projections, and regular updates on progress. As one parents observes, 'for the first time I feel fully involved in my son's progress'.

Video Series: Engaging with Parents
Release Date 2007