Lookiing at the barriers that prevent children's carers from participating there are
examples of support which may be offered to parents
Page 222 of the CYPW handbooklooks at these barriers, explaining what they are and how they can be overcome . Prroviding support ensures parents are able to take an active role in their child's learning and development.
Home link books
Choosing effective methods of communication - txt, sms, email, phone calls, home visite. parent sessions.
Confidence is a barrier. Quote:
some parents or carers can find it hard to be active partners in their child's care and education because they lack confidence. There are many reasons for this, although parents previous experiences of education or interactions with other professionals are perhaps the most common. Some carers also feel they do not have anything particulary to offer or that their views will not be of interest. To overcome this significant barrier, it is important that a parent's first contact with the setting is a positive one and that our communication skills are excellent. Some settings find home visitis very useful in this respect as parents can see practitioners in a familiar environment and one they are in control of.
Language and literacy
Disability
Culture - Quote
some parents or carers do not have the experience of the culture of working in partnership. They may not know what is expected and this in turn may create anxiety.
Supporting carers in partnership opportunities p. 223
Although we may do our best to create partnership working with carers, there will still be some people who do not wish to take up the opportunities or who may react negatively. It is important first to understand that they have the right not to participate should they choose not to and that they should not be put under pressure to do so. Taking this approach can reap benefits as sometimes a more relaxed attitude can make carers feel more comfortable. In addition, it is important to see if we can find out if there are any particular reasons why our attempts are not working. In some cases, this may be about style, timing or accessibility. Where partnerships with carers are strong, it is useful to capitalise on this.
Parents or carers may have suggestions as to how they could be morefully involved or may have ideas as to how to engage with other parents. Many settings will thereofr carry out evaluation questionnaires or have suggestion boxes in order to learn more about what they are doing well and which aspects of their performance they could improve.