Setting up a Black parents forum

Background and context

Grange Primary School wanted to develop a forum for Black/Black dual heritage parents to support them to improve the educational experiences of Black and Black dual heritage pupils.

What did they do

They started by inviting parents to forum and created a document which clearly states the purpose and objects for the forum. The forum has been a great success, parents feel heard and have built a support network and set up a WhatsApp group to share useful information but to also support one another. Attendance has increased over the year and parents are keen to increase this further so have produced a leaflet which they will give out in the playground. The school have made several positive changes led by the feedback from parents.

What was the impact? What changed?

Children in the school now take home their spelling tests so that parents can see how they are doing with their spelling because of feedback from the forum. They share any inclusion and diversity areas in the Weekly Overview which all parents receive. Staff now send out praise notes to all children termly, so parents can hear positive things about their children.

“Great school. Love the new weekly overview and black parent forums. The school are great at listening and implementing feedback and suggestion from parents, which enhances the community feel of the school. Great job staff!”

The school saw some great increases in their end of year staff data:

• Everyone in school tries to understand the needs of families and the school community increased 49% to 71%.
• Our school makes a special effort to encourage families that are not normally involved to engage in school life increased from 44% to 48%.
• Everyone works actively to understand, build relationships and engage with Black African and Black Caribbean families increased from 44% to 55%.
• When planning events our school considers the needs of Black African and Black Caribbean families increased from 20% to 45%.