A ‘Show & Tell’ event was held recently at Oakington Manor School in North London in which parents, teachers and bloggers came together to experience the benefits of online reporting in a real-life classroom environment. The event was organised by the government agency Becta in relation to their ‘Next Generation Learning’ campaign, which encourages the use of technology to improve communications between you and your child’s school. Oakington Manor school is innovating by not only making technology an integral part of pupils’ learning, but also making it central to the way parents can communicate with the school.

Oakington Manor’s state-of-the-art ICT suite, equipped with interactive white boards and the latest 3D learning technology, was the setting for the interactive ‘Show and Tell’ workshop.

The aim of the event was to support and raise awareness of the benefits of online reporting technology in education, particularly in terms of enabling better communication between you and your child’s school.

Head of ICT, Ophelia Vanderpuye, demonstrated the online reporting technology that is revolutionising the way parents communicate with the school and keeping track of their children’s learning. The event began with a demonstration of the school’s impressive learning technology then quickly moved on to the real focus of the event – online reporting.

Online reporting is the innovative use of media and communication technologies such as email, blogs, websites and text alerts in order to keep you better informed about your child’s educational achievements, progress, behaviour and attendance. Oakington Manor’s comprehensive information-packed learning platform is a great example of such technology as it provides a one-stop-shop for parents to stay in touch and up to date on school news, activities and more importantly their children’s learning.

A dedicated tour of the ‘Parents Room’ on the online platform gave parents and bloggers the opportunity to see first-hand examples of online tools available that enable parents to communicate directly with the school and with other parents. These tools included discussion forums, the ability to vote on topical issues like school uniform, homework and easy one click access to important school information.

Becta recently released the Schools & Parents: A New Partnership report, which is also a part of the ‘Next Generation Learning’ campaign. The report contains information and methods which enables you to become more closely involved in your child’s education and for teachers to update parents with in-school activity via online reporting technology.

To view the Becta Schools & Parents: A New Partnership report in full and to access more information about the ‘Next Generation Learning’ campaign check out www.nextgenerationlearning.org.uk

For more information, please contact:

Sophie Jackson                        0207 025 6412 / Sophie.jackson@redconsultancy.com

Catherine Sharrott          0207 025 6589 / Catherine.Sharrott@redconsultancy.com

Kate Cox                      02476 797146 / Kate.Cox@becta.org.uk

According to a recent report released by Becta, forty-eight percent of teachers believe that while parents are a great source of support, they dont always know the best ways to get involved with their child’s education. Forty percent of parents say they think technology could help, however they don’t fully understand the ways in which they can use it. Consequently, schools need to review how they currently communicate different types of information with parents by consulting with the parents themselves and establishing whether their current form of communication is suitable

Becta encourages schools and teachers to ask parents how they would like to receive information about: the school calendar, topics being taught in class, how topics are being taught, homework, their child’s progress and achievements, their child’s special educational needs, attendance and behaviour.

The report reveals that the vast majority (89 percent) of parents say technology could play a more powerful role in their child’s education if they better understood how to use it. Schools and teachers need to talk to pupil’s parents early on and consider what the parents will want to see. Schools need to ask the questions, what technology do you use most regularly? what technology do you have access to at home? how comfortable are you, or your child, with using the technology you have?

With over a third (37 percent) of teachers would like to advice parents on how they can communicate more effectively. Schools need to offer training to help parents use these technologies with or without their child. Then the school can establish what is best for their pupils and pupil’s parents.

Schools should make information available for parents by providing them log in systems with secure access such as Learning Platforms or access through a portal to MIS (Management Information System) data. Email and text messaging could also be used by schools to contact and keep parents informed on sickness, school closure and other information that may be important to inform a parent about as soon as possible.

Publically accessible technology such as school websites, downloadable newsletters or a subscription service can provide updated information about school life and events, like school term times and parent consultation evenings.

Becta is the government agency aiming to advertise and implement the productive and innovative use of technology throughout the teaching and learning process. The Schools & Parents: A New Partnership report is part of the ‘Next Generation Learning’ campaign, which encourages the move towards online reporting by using an integrated range of technologies helping parents engage with their child’s learning.

To view the Becta Schools & Parents: A New Partnership report or for more details about Becta and the ‘Next Generation Learning’ campaign visit www.nextgenerationlearning.org.uk

For more information, please contact:

Sophie Jackson 0207 025 6412 / Sophie.jackson@redconsultancy.com

Catherine Sharrott 0207 025 6589 / Catherine.Sharrott@redconsultancy.com

Kate Cox 02476 797146 / Kate.Cox@becta.org.uk

According to a report by Becta into parent teacher relationships, thirty-seven percent of parents say they would welcome advice on how to improve communication with the child’s teacher. In conjunction with this, thirty-seven percent of teachers think parents should be given practical advice on ways they can communicate more effectively. The report also reveals that forty-two percent of parents say a secure space on the school website and regular email updates would help them get more involved in their child’s education.

The use of technology can allow parents and schools to work collaboratively towards a common goal of improving a child’s attainment at school and facilitating higher levels of parental engagement. Online reporting helps parents and teachers share knowledge on a child’s progress and improves communication between schools and parents.

Many schools across the country are already improving their partnerships with parents by using technology and the internet to make information accessible for parents at any time of day. This enables parents to keep in touch with the school on a regular basis, have ongoing communication with the school about general school life and methods in which they can help their child learn.

Publically accessible technology such as school websites, downloadable newsletters or a subscription service can provide updated information for school life and events, like school term times and parent consultation evenings. Schools should make information available for parents by providing them log in systems with secure access such as Learning Platforms or access through a portal to MIS data. Email and text messaging could also be used by schools to contact and keep parents informed on sickness, school closure and other information that may be important to inform a parent about as soon as possible.

“Online reporting is a great way to give parents regular updates. Our parents feel more informed and in control when it comes to their child’s education and as a result, the children are more enthusiastic about learning”, Terry Moon, ICT co-ordinator at Fosseway Special School in Bristol commented.

Evidence from parents who have used online reporting reveals that it allows easy access to their child’s school so they can catch up on their work, progress, attendance and behaviour, at any time that suits them. Teachers and schools who have implemented online reporting and electronic communication with parents, have reported that it improves parental engagement, allowing them to bring parents into the school community in a fast and flexible way. It also allows teachers to channel communication from ‘overly demanding’ parents in a positive manner.

Becta is the government agency aiming to advertise and implement the productive and innovative use of technology throughout the teaching and learning process. The Schools & Parents: A New Partnership report is part of the ‘Next Generation Learning’ campaign, which encourages the move towards online reporting by using an integrated range of technologies helping parents engage with their child’s learning.

To view the Becta Schools & Parents: A New Partnership report or for more details about Becta and the ‘Next Generation Learning’ campaign visit www.nextgenerationlearning.org.uk

For more information, please contact:

Sophie Jackson 0207 025 6412 / Sophie.jackson@redconsultancy.com

Catherine Sharrott 0207 025 6589 / Catherine.Sharrott@redconsultancy.com

Kate Cox 02476 797146 / Kate.Cox@becta.org.uk

With such a vast array of communication tools such as emails, text alerts and blogs, it is important that schools provide the proper support and training to ensure that what is communicated is timely and meaningful. Online Reporting means that parents have access to information and advice from a variety of sources which helps them support the development and well-being of their child. A recent report by Becta reveals that keeping parents informed on their child’s progress, communication can be more focused, having more impact and positively benefitting the child.

Becta is the government agency aiming to advertise and implement the productive and innovative use of technology throughout the teaching and learning process. The Schools & Parents: A New Partnership report is part of the ‘Next Generation Learning’ campaign, which encourages parents to contact their child’s school in order to establish how and if technology is already being used, and how it can improve communications between them and their child’s school in future via Online Reporting.

Online Reporting is the innovative use of media and communication technologies such as email, blogs, websites and text alerts in order to keep parents better informed about their child’s achievements, progress, behaviour and attendance.

It is important for teachers and schools to consult parents on how they would like to be kept informed on the progress of their child. Some parents prefer face to face contact, whereas others may favour the convenience of tools such as text alerts or online reporting to gain a quick insight of their child’s progress.

A website is one of the most effective communication tools that is easily accessible for most schools and parents. It allows access to regular updates such as timetables, school trips, sharing photos and learning tools supporting parents and involving them in school life.

Email is a popular parent communication tool as a quick way to get information; regular email updates from the school would help them get more involved. However, it is important schools agree realistic expectations on the use of email with parents and that the technology and systems are in place to help teachers manage emails effectively.

The Becta report shows that eighty-two percent of parents admit they don’t know as much about their child’s day at school as they want to, however this is one of the best ways to keep informed and updated. Parents can learn more about how to make the most of after-school conversations and better parent child communication.

To view the Becta Schools & Parents: A New Partnership report in full and to read more details about Becta and the ‘Next Generation Learning’ campaign log on to www.nextgenerationlearning.org.uk

For more information, please contact:

Sophie Jackson 0207 025 6412 / Sophie.jackson@redconsultancy.com

Catherine Sharrott 0207 025 6589 / Catherine.Sharrott@redconsultancy.com

Kate Cox 02476 797146 / Kate.Cox@becta.org.uk

Fifty-four percent of teaching staff claim that the relationship with their pupils’ parents varies greatly from parent to parent. However, school staff are keen for schools to introduce tools to help them have more informed and effective discussions with parents. According to a report, commissioned by Becta into parent teacher relationships, there is a need for better communication channels between parents and schools that will help child progression, whilst also managing the impact on the teacher’s workload to ensure the most efficient use of time.

Becta is the government agency aiming to promote and achieve the productive and innovative use of technology throughout the teaching and learning process. The Schools & Parents: A New Partnership report is part of the ‘Next Generation Learning’ campaign, which encourages parents to contact their child’s school in order to establish how and if technology is already being used, and how it can improve communications between them and their child’s school in future.

The comprehensive report also reveals that thirty-six percent of teachers say they often come across ‘pushy’ parents who need ‘constant reassurance’ and others (19 percent) who try to ‘influence everything that goes on in the classroom.’ More than eleven percent said they feel dismissed as an ‘overly demanding’ parent and another eleven percent say they are made to feel that they are imposing on the teacher’s time when they try to make contact.

Thirty-four percent of teachers admit they often come across parents who ‘try and influence decisions’ about their child, such as which class they go into or where they sit in a classroom. They also admit that half (50 percent) of the parents that they have the most contact with are those who make themselves available to speak to the teacher at the end of the school day.

Nearly half (48 percent) of teachers believe that whilst parents are a great source of support, they don’t always know the best ways to help. Eighty-nine percent of parents say technology helps them get involved in their child’s education, or it could play a more powerful role if they better understood how to use it. Thirty-seven percent of teachers would welcome practical advice given to parents on how they can communicate more effectively and over a third (39 percent) said it would be helpful to show parents who are already contacting them how they might achieve this in a more beneficial way to both schools and parents.

The Schools & Parents: A New Partnership report and more information about Becta’s ‘Next Generation Learning’ campaign can be found at www.nextgenerationlearning.org.uk

For more information, please contact:

Sophie Jackson 0207 025 6412 / Sophie.jackson@redconsultancy.com

Catherine Sharrott 0207 025 6589 / Catherine.Sharrott@redconsultancy.com

Kate Cox 02476 797146 / Kate.Cox@becta.org.uk

According to a comprehensive study into parent teacher relationships more than eleven percent said they feel dismissed as an ‘overly demanding’ parent and another eleven percent say they are made to feel that they are imposing on the teacher’s time when they try to make contact. However, thirty-seven percent of teachers would welcome practical advice given to parents on how they can communicate more effectively to benefit both the school and their children.

The report, commissioned by Becta, reveals the majority of school staff (54 percent) say that the relationship they have with pupils’ parents is mixed, varying greatly from parent to parent. A third (34 percent) of teachers admit they often come across parents who ‘try and influence decisions’ about their child and thirty-six percent of teachers say they often come across ‘pushy’ parents who need ‘constant reassurance’. They also admit that half (50 percent) of the parents that they have the most contact with are those who make themselves available to speak to the teacher at the end of the school day.

Almost half (48 percent) of teachers believe that whilst parents are a great source of support, they don’t always know the best ways to help. Over a third (37 percent) of teachers would like to advice parents on how they can communicate more effectively and over a third (39 percent) said it would be helpful to show parents who are already contacting them how they might achieve this in a more beneficial way to both schools and parents.

The vast majority (89 percent) of parents say technology helps them get involved in their child’s education, or it could play a more powerful role if they better understood how to use it. Staff are also keen for schools to provide tools which can help them have more informed and effective discussions with parents.

This and the survey’s other findings highlight a need for better communication channels between parents and schools via the use of technology. This will then generate open and honest discussions which help a child progress, whilst also managing the impact on the teacher’s workload to ensure the most efficient use of time.

Becta is the government agency aiming to advertise and implement the productive and innovative use of technology throughout the teaching and learning process. The Schools & Parents: A New Partnership report is part of the ‘Next Generation Learning’ campaign, which encourages parents to contact their child’s school in order to establish how and if technology is already being used, and how it can improve communications between them and their child’s school in future.

To view the Schools & Parents: A New Partnership Becta report in full and for more details about Becta and the ‘Next Generation Learning’ campaign log on to www.nextgenerationlearning.org.uk

Misunderstandings, a lack of confidence and unclear communication channels are putting children’s education at risk, according to a new report commissioned by Becta into communications between schools and teachers. Fifty-nine percent of parents admit to having little contact with their child’s school and sixty percent of school staff say parents feel their job stops at the school gates. However, forty-three percent of teachers admit parents might find them ‘difficult to approach sometimes’.

Becta is the government agency leading the national drive to ensure the effective and innovative use of technology throughout teaching and learning. It aims to utilise the benefits of technology in order to create a more exciting, rewarding and successful experience for learners of all ages and abilities, enabling them to achieve their potential.

The comprehensive study of 2,000 parents and 1,000 teachers across the U.K revealed over half of parents are in contact with their child’s teacher just once a term or less and for various reasons are taking a back seat in their child’s education.

The report findings reveal almost half (48 percent) of teachers believe that whilst parents are a great source of support, they don’t always know the best ways to get in contact, with over a third (39 percent) of teaching staff saying they would welcome ways to show parents how they might communicate differently.

“Parental engagement is vital to a child’s learning and known to help raise attainment. To do this effectively, there needs to be a meaningful dialogue between parent and school, keeping the parent informed and updated,” Niel McLean, Executive Director of Becta said.

The report, which was released today, is part of Becta’s ‘Next Generation Learning’ campaign, that urges parents to talk to their child’s school in order to find out how and if technology is already being used, and how it can help improve regular communications between them and the school in future. The use of new technology should enable parents to improve communications by keeping track of their child’s work, viewing their reports, attendance records and grades at any time of the day via Online Reporting.

To view the Becta Schools & Parents: A New Partnership or for more details about Becta and the ‘Next Generation Learning’ campaign visit www.nextgenerationlearning.org.uk

For more information, please contact:

Sophie Jackson – 0207 025 6412 / Sophie.jackson@redconsultancy.com

Catherine Sharrott – 0207 025 6589 / Catherine.Sharrott@redconsultancy.com

Kate Cox – 02476 797146 / Kate.Cox@becta.org.uk