Why (and How) to Evaluate Your Work with Parents and Families in the Early Years
In early years settings, there is much discussion about the importance of working in partnership with parents and caregivers. But how often do you step back and reflect on how well this part of our practice is actually working?
Evaluating your work with families doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming, but it does need to be thoughtful. By gathering feedback and looking closely at what’s going well (and what could be better), you can strengthen relationships, improve outcomes, and grow your approach over time.
Why it matters
There are lots of reasons to evaluate your parental engagement work. It helps you understand what families value, identify areas for improvement, and adapt your approach so it continues to meet their needs. It also shows families that their voices are heard and that their contributions help shape what you do.
Most importantly, evaluation helps you tell the story of your impact. Whether you’re sharing your learning with colleagues, your leadership team, or external partners, having clear evidence of what’s working can make a big difference.
Ways to evaluate without the overwhelm
The best evaluations are often the simplest. A quick chat at a drop-in, a single reflective question at the end of a workshop, or a space where parents can post their thoughts can all offer valuable insights.
You might try:
- Asking families to rate their experience using smiley faces, dots on a chart, coloured post-its, or counters in a jar.
- Creating a shared ‘graffiti wall’ or flipchart where people can leave comments.
- Using short online surveys or feedback questions on your newsletter, website, social media, or school App.
- Holding a brief group discussion or focus group to explore what’s working well.
- Keep your methods varied and accessible; what works for one parent might not suit another. Some will prefer to speak, while others will prefer to write or draw. The more inclusive your approach, the more useful your feedback will be.
Making it meaningful
What matters most is not how you collect the feedback, but what you do with it. Share your findings, let families know what you’ve learned, and explain any changes you’re making. A simple “We asked, you said, we did” message can go a long way.
Be honest about challenges, celebrate successes, and look for the small shifts that lead to long-term change. Evaluation isn’t just about ticking a box; it’s about building trust, improving practice, and making sure all the hard work you do with families is really making a difference.