Partnership working

Working in partnership with parents and/or carers is central to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Consulting them about children's early experiences helps us to plan for effective learning at the setting, and helps parents in continuing their children's learning development at home.

All contributions from parents are welcomed. Helping out during sessions, sharing interests or information about their culture, and taking part in discussions about the childcare service all provide the opportunity for parents to learn about children's learning, in the setting and at home.

Some parents are less well represented than others in early years settings. These include fathers, parents who live apart from their children, and working parents. This may mean that different strategies are needed for involving them and that consultation is necessary to find out what works best. Information is provided in ways that are accessible to parents with basic skills, specific needs or those who have English as an additional language.

With case studies throughout, Engaging Mothers and Fathers, explores principles that underpin effective working with parents and offers practical guidance for engaging parents and/or carers in their children's early learning.