Rating description:
- Fully met: Parents and carers are actively informed and involved in our school’s anti-bullying approach, with a focus on involving seldom-heard, vulnerable, and disengaged families through strong home-school partnerships and diverse initiatives.
- Partially met: Some efforts are made to inform and involve parents and carers in our school’s anti-bullying approach, but seldom-heard, vulnerable, and disengaged families are not consistently involved.
- Not yet met: Parents and carers are not informed and involved in our school’s anti-bullying approach.
Why is this important?
Involving and engaging with parents and carers when it comes to anti-bullying is crucial because they are central to creating a consistent approach to tackling bullying. When they are informed, listened to, and genuinely involved, they can reinforce anti-bullying messages at home, spot early signs of harm, and support both children who are bullied and those who may be bullying. Strong communication and trust between school and families also help ensure problems are taken seriously, responded to swiftly, and addressed collaboratively.
Top Tips:
- Be proactive and consistent in communicating your anti-bullying approach to parents and carers - don’t wait until a bullying incident occurs or rely on a single message at the start of the year. Instead, build regular reminders into your normal communication cycle and use key points in the school calendar to reinforce your approach. Share information at parents’ evenings, through newsletters, on noticeboards, in reception areas, in the playground, and anywhere families regularly visit.
- Be creative with your communication methods and think about the accessibility needs you might need to address as some families might find it harder to access traditional methods of communication e.g. if English isn't their first language.
Resources & Examples:
Resources:
- We consulted with parents and carers and came up with some recommendations when working with parents & carers on addressing reports of bullying, you can view those here.
- We also have guidance on how to work with parents of pupils who are bullying others here.
Examples:
Please note that examples from primary and other school settings may still include some useful hints and tips you can adapt and apply for a secondary setting.
- Secondary School Case Study - on engaging with parents