Engaging Parents at the Start of School: What Works (and What Doesn’t)

Starting school is one of the most important transitions in a child’s life. For many children, it’s their first time in a large group setting, learning to follow new routines and expectations. For parents, it’s often an emotional moment too; a mix of pride and uncertainty about how best to help their child succeed.

As educators, you know that parental engagement matters. Decades of research show clear associations between parents’ involvement in learning and children’s academic and social outcomes. But the evidence also highlights an important truth: not all forms of parent engagement are equally effective. Some strategies consistently help children settle and thrive, while others have little or no impact.

So what really works when engaging parents as their children start school?

Shape parental expectations early.

One of the strongest predictors of children’s success is the level of expectation parents hold for them. High, realistic expectations set a powerful tone. Teachers can help by making these expectations visible and specific. For example, instead of simply encouraging “get ready for school,” you might share three clear goals such as:

• Talk to your child about their day.
• Practise recognising sounds in their name.
• Encourage independence with everyday tasks, such as putting on a coat.

These simple, practical expectations give parents a clear sense of how they can help.

Provide micro-routines, not homework help.

The research is clear: generic homework help is rarely effective and can even be counterproductive. Parents often feel unprepared to “teach” at home, and children may become frustrated. Instead, what works best are small, playful routines that parents can easily embed in daily life.

Examples you can suggest include:

• Playing “I spy” with sounds learned in class.
• Counting the steps to the front door.
• After a story, asking “Which character was kind?”

These tiny habits are achievable for busy families and build children’s confidence without the stress of formal homework.

Use nudges and reminders

A weekly text, WhatsApp message, or short newsletter prompt is far more effective than a long leaflet. Parents are more likely to read and act on short, timely reminders. For instance: “This week we are learning the sound ‘s’. Try spotting things around the house that start with ‘s’.”

Nudges keep engagement steady, reduce overwhelm, and show parents that supporting learning doesn’t have to be complicated.

Welcome fathers and male caregivers

Research shows that fathers and other male role models can play a particularly positive role in children’s early learning and self-regulation. Yet they are often overlooked in school communications. A simple but powerful step is to make dads and male caregivers feel explicitly included. Address at least one message directly to them, or invite them to a specific reading morning or activity. When fathers see themselves as part of the school community, their engagement increases.

Demonstrate and model

Many parents lack the confidence to support their children's learning. Written instructions rarely shift behaviour. Short, practical demonstrations are much more effective. This could be a quick demo at pickup time, a one-minute video clip, or an open-morning where parents can “watch and try.” Seeing strategies in action helps parents feel capable of using them at home.

Build trust and capacity.

Above all, parents are more likely to engage when they feel welcomed, respected, and confident. Take time to build relationships, even in small ways, greeting parents warmly, listening to their concerns, and valuing their contributions. Families who feel judged or excluded are less likely to participate, no matter how good the programme.

Remember that engagement is not just about one-off events. It is about creating a culture of partnership where parents feel they are working alongside you to support their child’s learning journey.

What to avoid

• Generic “help with homework” messages. Without guidance, this rarely helps and can even harm motivation.
• One-off information sessions with no follow-up. Parents need ongoing reminders and chances to practise.
• Overloading families with resources. A single, well-modelled idea is more powerful than a thick pack of worksheets.

Final thought

When children start school, parents are looking for reassurance and clear guidance. By focusing on small, achievable routines, shaping expectations, and building strong relationships, teachers can empower parents to play a meaningful role in their child’s learning. The changes may seem modest, a short text, a two-minute demo, a warm welcome, but together they lay the foundation for a positive school journey.

Content informed by evidence reviews on parental engagement commissioned by the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) and conducted by researchers at Durham University.