Back to school for Ballaquayle parents

PARENTS of pupils at Ballaquayle Infants’ have been back to school to enhance their involvement in their children’s learning.

The Douglas school, which has 160 pupils, is the first in the Island to take part in the Impact (Involving More Parents and Children Together) scheme.

Parents attended writing workshops led by a visiting speaker from the UK, Roy Broadfield, which will lead into a five-week programme hosted by the school.

Participation in the programme will give parents a better understanding of how they can support their children’s learning at home, explained the school’s Headteacher, Linda Green.

‘Impact is inspired by the work of Professor Charles Desforges and the latest UK Government research which suggests that parental involvement can improve learning by up to 30 per cent,’ explained Jayne Adamson, School Improvement Adviser for Early Years.

‘It teaches parents/carers about new methods and techniques used in schools today and provides them with a tool kit of resources to take home and use to support children in their homework,’ Jayne said.

Parents of Reception and Year 1 pupils will enjoy a five-week programme aimed at helping their children improve their ability to write about events and happenings that have taken place. Year 2 sessions will focus on children’s story-writing.

Comments from parents include:

‘Very informative and will certainly use the tools provided to help my child read and write.’

‘Really enjoyed it. Gave lots of different ideas and strategies to use at home. A numeracy workshop would be helpful too.’

‘I feel much more comfortable at home teaching my child sounds and words. I think it will make a real impact on his learning.’

‘It was nice to be able to join my son in school.’

‘It was very helpful, lots of good tips for making writing more progressive. I am glad I came as I feel more confident doing the homework.’

Research that has established a link between parental involvement and children's learning was discussed at an after-school training session, conducted by Mr Broadfield and attended by headteachers/teachers from eight schools.

Impact has run successfully at schools in Lewisham, Birmingham, Solihull, Bedford and Waltham Forest.

PICTURE: From left: Nicholas Coole with his daughter Lena and Melanie Hebden with her daughter Millie-RoseFrom left: Nicholas Coole with his daughter Lena and Melanie Hebden with her daughter Millie-Rose