Building Confidence, Skills, and Aspirations: Partnering with Parents in the Early Years

In the whirlwind of the early years—nappies, night feeds, and nursery drop-offs—it’s easy for parents to feel like school and learning are still a long way off. But the first five years are when children lay the foundations for future learning, and parents and carers play a key role in that journey.

Parents don’t need a degree in maths or grammar to support a child’s learning. The most powerful learning happens in the early years through simple play and connection. When parents build towers, talk about colours, or read together at bedtime, they’re doing the early work of education. These everyday moments help build confidence and lay the foundation for future involvement, whether that’s helping with reading or simply talking about school as children grow.

Children thrive when parents, carers, and educators work as a team. Yet for some families, barriers such as low confidence, difficult past experiences with school, or simply not knowing where to start can make this feel out of reach. That’s why early years settings and schools need to be open, transparent, and welcoming, creating an environment where parents feel valued and heard.

It’s important for school and nursery staff to consider parents' perspectives. Listening to what a child is like at home, understanding their hopes and aspirations, and sharing what support is available allows everyone to make informed decisions. We all want the best for children, but some families haven’t had the chance to see what’s possible or how to get there. That’s why it’s helpful to ask parents:
•    What do you hope your child will achieve?
•    Have you asked them what they dream of doing?
•    What help do you need to support them?
Even simple questions like these can spark big ideas—and lead to meaningful change.

Some families face more complex challenges—whether it’s job loss, housing issues, or concerns about behaviour and attendance. In these cases, support that includes a consistent, trusted person, practical hands-on help, and a whole-family approach with shared goals can make a huge difference. It’s not about blame—it’s about working together to build brighter futures.

Supporting young children isn’t just the responsibility of schools—it’s a team effort. Playing, talking, asking questions, and staying involved all help shape confident, curious, and capable learners.

No one knows a child better than their parents. And when families and educators come together, there’s no limit to what a child can achieve.