Boosting Parent Partnership: 10 Strategies for Nursery Success

"Children learn and develop well in enabling environments with teaching and support from adults, who respond to their individual interests and needs and help them to build their learning over time. Children benefit from a strong partnership between practitioners and parents and/or carers." - Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework

As nursery practitioners and managers, ensuring high-quality early years provision while meeting the expectations of Ofsted is paramount. Central to this is the cultivation of robust partnerships between practitioners and parents, a cornerstone of children's learning and development. 

Here are 10 easy ideas for nursery settings to strengthen parent partnerships, creating supportive and inclusive environments for all children:

Parent Workshops and Seminars:

Organise regular workshops and seminars covering topics such as child development, behaviour management, and supporting learning at home. These events offer valuable insights for parents and provide opportunities for practitioners to engage with families, fostering collaboration and shared understanding.

Event Days and Family Fun Days:

Host special event days or family fun days where parents and children can participate in activities together. These events strengthen community ties, promote positive relationships between families and practitioners, and create memorable experiences for all involved.

Some ideas for event or family fun days:

1. Teddy Bear Picnic: Host a charming teddy bear picnic in the nursery garden or local park. Invite children and their families to bring their favourite teddy bears and enjoy a relaxed outdoor picnic with sandwiches, snacks, and refreshments. Provide blankets, cushions, and games for a delightful afternoon of fun and camaraderie.
2. Afternoon Tea Party: Treat families to an elegant afternoon tea party at the nursery. Set up tables with fancy tablecloths, teapots, and tiered cake stands filled with delicious finger sandwiches, scones, and sweet treats. Encourage children and parents to dress up for the occasion and enjoy a refined yet relaxed atmosphere together.
3. Garden Games Day: Organise a lively garden games day filled with classic outdoor games and activities. Set up stations for games like sack races, bean bag toss, and ring toss, along with a mini obstacle course and parachute games. Provide prizes and certificates for participants to add to the excitement and friendly competition.

Regular Newsletters and Updates:

Send out regular newsletters and updates to parents, sharing information about upcoming events, learning objectives, and ways to support learning at home. These communications build transparency and trust, keeping parents informed and involved in their child's education journey.

Parent Information Boards:

Install parent information boards at nursery entrances, providing important updates, notices, and resources for families. These boards serve as a central hub for information, promoting engagement and collaboration between parents and practitioners.

Interactive Voting and Surveys:

Utilise interactive voting platforms and surveys to gather feedback from parents on nursery provision. Platforms like VoteUp.co.uk offer engaging ways for parents to contribute their opinions and ideas, fostering a sense of ownership and partnership in nursery decision-making.

Parent-Teacher Conferences:

Schedule regular parent-teacher conferences to discuss children's progress and development. These meetings facilitate meaningful conversations between practitioners and parents, offering insights and strategies for supporting children's learning both at home and in the nursery environment.

Parent Volunteering Opportunities:

Invite parents to volunteer in nursery activities and events, such as reading stories or assisting with art projects. Parent volunteering promotes active involvement in children's learning experiences, strengthens relationships, and builds a sense of community within the nursery.

Parent Feedback Sessions:

Hold regular feedback sessions or focus groups where parents can share their thoughts and experiences. These sessions provide valuable insights for nursery improvement and demonstrate a commitment to listening and responding to the needs of families.

Home Learning Packs and Resources:

Provide home learning packs and resources to support parents in extending learning experiences beyond the nursery environment. These resources empower parents to engage in their child's learning at home, reinforcing the importance of partnership and collaboration.

Parent Appreciation Events:

Host special events to celebrate and recognise parents' contributions to nursery life. These events express gratitude, strengthen relationships, and foster a culture of partnership and collaboration between families and practitioners.

Strengthening parent partnerships is fundamental for nurseries seeking to provide high-quality early years provision in line with Ofsted expectations. By implementing practical ideas such as workshops, newsletters, and interactive activities, nurseries create supportive environments where children can thrive. Together, practitioners and parents can build a strong foundation for children's learning and development, ensuring the best possible start in life for every child.