4.3 Analyse how practitioners can encourage carers to support children and young people’s learning and development

This guide will help you answer 4.3 Analyse how practitioners can encourage carers to support children and young people’s learning and development.

Supporting children and young people’s learning needs strong partnership between practitioners and carers. Carers can include parents, guardians, foster carers and other family members with day-to-day responsibility for the child. Practitioners have a duty to involve carers so that the child’s development is supported at home as well as in the setting. This partnership helps create consistent support and reinforces learning in different environments.

Building Positive Relationships with Carers

Practitioners need to create trust with carers. A positive relationship makes it more likely carers will feel confident in supporting learning. Communication should be respectful, clear and open. Carers should feel valued and listened to. A welcoming approach encourages carer participation in the child’s education.

Ways to build relationships include:

• Greeting carers warmly when they arrive or leave
• Offering time to discuss progress without feeling rushed
• Using a friendly tone in written messages
• Showing interest in the carer’s perspective

Trust grows when practitioners keep promises and share accurate information. Carers will be more willing to work together if they believe the practitioner respects their role.

Clear Communication About Learning Goals

A practitioner should share the child or young person’s learning goals in a way carers can understand. Avoid jargon or specialist language unless it is explained. If carers understand what the child is working towards, they can give relevant support at home.

Examples of clear communication:

• Explaining that a child is learning to count objects, rather than using only curriculum terms
• Showing practical examples of work so carers can see progress
• Sending summaries of targets and achievements in simple language

Clear communication prevents confusion and gives carers confidence to reinforce learning activities in practical ways.

Sharing Strategies and Activities for Home Use

Carers may want to support learning but not know how. Practitioners can help by giving examples of activities that match the child’s development stage. Suggestions should be easy to fit into daily routines. This avoids creating extra stress for the family.

Useful activities to share with carers:

• Reading together at bedtime
• Counting items while shopping
• Talking about colours when setting the table
• Practising letter sounds during car trips

Activities that use everyday situations make learning natural and enjoyable for both child and carer.

Involving Carers in Decision-Making

When carers take part in decisions about learning and development plans, they become active partners. Practitioners can hold meetings or informal discussions to review progress and agree next steps. This approach values carer opinions and knowledge of the child’s needs.

Ways to involve carers in decisions:

• Encouraging questions during meetings
• Asking for feedback on proposed learning activities
• Discussing challenges at home and finding solutions together
• Using questionnaires to gather carer input

The carer’s insight is important as they see the child in a different environment to the setting.

Providing Feedback on Progress

Regular updates keep carers informed and involved. Feedback should highlight strengths as well as areas needing improvement. Positive feedback motivates carers to continue supporting learning at home. Honest feedback helps them understand where extra help may be needed.

Feedback can be given through:

• Short notes sent home
• Progress reports with specific examples
• Text or email updates for busy carers
• Quick verbal check-ins at drop-off or pick-up

Updates should be consistent so carers feel up to date with the child’s progress.

Respecting Cultural and Family Backgrounds

Each child grows up in a unique family culture. Practitioners must respect these backgrounds when suggesting learning approaches. Cultural values may affect learning styles, preferred subjects and ways of communicating.

To show respect:

• Ask carers about family traditions that could be part of the learning experience
• Be aware of different attitudes towards education
• Avoid imposing activities that conflict with family values
• Recognise and celebrate cultural events in the setting

Respecting a carer’s culture helps create trust and encourages active participation.

Offering Workshops or Informal Information Sessions

Some carers may value learning opportunities that help them support development. Practitioners can organise workshops to share strategies or explain developmental milestones. These can be formal sessions or informal gatherings.

Topics for information sessions could include:

• Language and communication development
• Behaviour strategies that support learning
• How play supports cognitive growth
• Healthy routines for sleeping and eating

Sessions should be interactive and provide materials for carers to use at home.

Supporting Carers Who Face Barriers

Some carers may face challenges such as low confidence, lack of time, limited literacy skills or language barriers. Practitioners need to identify and address these barriers so all carers can support learning.

Ways to support carers:

• Offering activities that require little preparation
• Using visual aids for carers with reading difficulties
• Providing translations or interpreters if language is a barrier
• Suggesting short daily tasks for busy carers

Practical support helps carers contribute without feeling overwhelmed. This leads to more consistent support for the child.

Encouraging Home Learning Environments

Learning does not happen only at school or in childcare settings. Practitioners can encourage carers to create a home environment that supports curiosity and exploration. This does not require special equipment. Simple changes can make a difference.

Suggestions for home environments:

• Setting up a quiet area for reading
• Keeping crayons and paper available for drawing
• Having books and games within easy reach
• Involving the child in household tasks to build skills

A space that allows children to practise learning activities outside the setting strengthens development.

Celebrating Achievements Together

Sharing the joy of achievements builds motivation for both carers and children. Practitioners can encourage carers to celebrate even small successes. Recognition can be verbal praise or a special treat. Celebrations show that effort and progress are valued.

Ways to celebrate:

• Awarding certificates for milestones
• Sharing photos of work with carers
• Sending home a note recognising progress
• Holding a small event for families to see children’s projects

Joint celebrations strengthen the relationship between the setting and the home.

Encouraging Consistent Routines

Children and young people benefit from having routines that support learning. Practitioners can guide carers in creating consistent schedules for homework, play, rest and meals. Carers can adapt these routines to suit their circumstances.

Tips for routines:

• Setting aside regular time for reading
• Providing quiet periods for concentration
• Involving the child in deciding some activities
• Being consistent with bedtime to promote focus during the day

Consistent routines help children feel secure, which supports learning and development.

Building Confidence in Carers

Some carers may not realise how much influence they have on their child’s learning. Practitioners should help them recognise their impact. Confidence grows when carers see results from their support.

Ways to build confidence:

• Sharing examples of progress linked to home activities
• Praising carers for efforts they make
• Encouraging them to try new activities and report back
• Providing reassurance when challenges arise

Confident carers are more likely to keep supporting development.

Working in Partnership with Other Professionals

Sometimes, supporting a child’s development involves other professionals, such as speech therapists or health visitors. Practitioners can help carers connect with these services and understand how each role supports learning. This cooperative approach ensures the child receives consistent help across all areas of need.

Information to share with carers:

• What specialist services offer
• How to follow guidance from these professionals at home
• Contact details and referral processes
• Benefits of a coordinated approach

Carers will feel more supported if they know help is available beyond the setting.

Adapting Support to Changing Needs

A child’s development changes over time. Practitioners must recognise when learning approaches need adjustment. Sharing these changes with carers keeps them informed and involved. Adaptations may include new activities or different learning targets.

Ways to adapt support:

• Sharing updated plans after assessments
• Asking carers about changes they notice at home
• Introducing new topics based on interests or progress
• Providing extra support where developmental delays arise

Keeping carers updated on changes ensures they can provide relevant support.

Encouraging Positive Attitudes Toward Learning

Carers influence a child’s attitude toward education. Practitioners can encourage carers to show enthusiasm for learning. This creates a home environment where learning is valued and seen as enjoyable.

Ideas to encourage positive attitudes:

• Discussing the child’s day and showing interest
• Speaking positively about teachers and education
• Helping the child set achievable goals
• Rewarding effort, not just results

Children are more likely to engage in learning if they see adults valuing it.

Supporting Emotional Development

Learning and emotional wellbeing are closely linked. Practitioners should encourage carers to support emotional needs alongside academic ones. A child who feels secure and valued is better able to learn.

Ways carers can support emotional development:

• Listening to the child’s feelings
• Praising resilience when facing challenges
• Providing reassurance during stressful times
• Encouraging problem-solving skills

Emotional support strengthens confidence and promotes a healthy approach to learning.

Using Technology to Support Communication

Technology can help practitioners keep carers involved. Email, text messaging or online platforms can provide quick updates. Practitioners can share photos, videos or resources that carers can use at home.

Benefits of using technology:

• Faster sharing of information
• Easy access to learning materials
• Creating a record of progress
• Helping carers engage even if they cannot visit often

Technology should be used in a safe and secure way to protect privacy.

Final Thoughts

Encouraging carers to support children and young people’s learning and development depends on strong relationships, clear communication and practical strategies. Every carer’s situation is different, so practitioners need to approach each case with respect and flexibility. By making activities simple, useful and engaging, carers are more likely to participate fully.

When carers feel confident, valued and informed, they can give consistent and meaningful support at home. This creates a strong link between the setting and the home, helping children and young people thrive in all areas of learning and development.