Parental Engagement with Family Hubs

The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) convened this roundtable immediately after a key-note speech by the Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson. The conversation brought together a range of stakeholders, including representatives from think tanks, charities and community organisations.
The purpose of this roundtable was to reflect on early years and parental engagement, to share insights. identify key priorities and to consider the role of Family Hubs. Participants also discussed best practice and potential future policy changes.
Key potential areas for policy change discussed included:

1. The continuation of Family Hubs
2. A single agreed definition of “school ready”
3. Clear, delineated, and explicit responsibilities between schools and parents
4. Upskilling of people working in early years and schools on how best to engage with parents
5. Utilising contact moments with new parents to offer more support and information (for example 20-week scan, birth registration, prenatal care/classes)
6. Teaching early years human development in the curriculum
7. Creating more opportunities to engage with parents and offer support and guidance (e.g. parent-toddler groups)
8. Better utilising existing community assets, such as churches and school buildings, to offer such opportunities.