Parents as partners

The Early Learning Goals state that 'Parents are children's first and most enduring educators. When parents and practitioners work together in early years settings, the results have a positive impact on the child's development and learning. Therefore, each setting should seek to develop an effective partnership with parents.' Research clearly shows the benefits of parental involvement in children's education. For example, the Early Education Project carried out at the Froebel Institute in Roehampton, London, involved a multi-ethnic group of parents from a range of backgrounds. They worked with the researcher, Chris Athey, and the teacher, Tina Bruce, to create new...