Involving parents

Parents are the first and most influential educators of their children. It is important that staff across all early years settings recognise the interests and experiences children bring from home and use these as a starting point to extend learning. Most establishments spend time discussing the curriculum and methodology with parents to help them to play a full part in their children’s learning. They can encourage parents to be involved in all aspects of their children’s learning from pre-school education and into primary school (and beyond).

In the early years of primary school there may be some difficulty with the word ‘play’ itself. Parents often need reassurance that their children will learn effectively through play, because of its association with leisure. What is important is that all staff with responsibility for planning early years learning recognise that active learning, including purposeful play, has a central role in that process and when necessary can demonstrate this to parents.