3.2 Describe how partnerships with parents are set up and maintained

This guide will help you answer 3.2 Describe how partnerships with parents are set up and maintained.

Partnerships with parents are a key part of working in the children and young people’s workforce. These partnerships help support each child’s wellbeing, learning and development. The aim is to build a two-way relationship that values the role of parents and carers as the primary influence in a child’s life. For a partnership to be effective, it must be set up carefully and maintained over time.

In this guide, we will look at why partnerships matter, examples of how to set them up, and how they can be maintained so they continue to benefit both the child and the parent.

What is the purpose of partnerships with parents?

A partnership is a shared arrangement between staff and parents where information, ideas and responsibilities are exchanged openly. This helps both sides work toward the same goals for the child. Staff bring professional knowledge of child development, learning strategies and safeguarding. Parents bring an intimate knowledge of their child’s personality, needs, routines and family culture. Combining these perspectives gives a fuller picture of the child and enables tailored support.

Such partnerships:

• Support consistency between home and the setting
• Improve trust and communication
• Encourage parental involvement in learning activities
• Help identify concerns early

Ways to Laying the foundations for partnership

Before starting any formal communication, it is important to create an environment where parents feel welcomed and respected. This makes it more likely they will engage positively with staff. The foundation stage is about building trust and showing that staff value parental input.

Ways to lay strong foundations:

• Greet parents warmly during drop-off and collection times
• Show interest in their views and experiences
• Maintain a friendly, respectful tone
• Display information in accessible language
• Provide opportunities for them to visit and see the setting

Trust is a cornerstone. If parents feel comfortable and respected from the outset, conversations and joint decisions will flow more easily.

Initiating partnerships

Partnerships should be set up as soon as a child starts attending the setting. Early contact gives parents confidence that staff are invested in their child’s welfare.

Steps to initiate:

• Hold an induction meeting with parents before their child starts
• Share information on the setting’s values, routines and policies
• Ask parents for details about their child’s likes, dislikes, routines, health needs and family culture
• Discuss any concerns they may have
• Give them contact details for key staff, so they know who to speak with

This approach sends a clear message that staff want to work together from day one.

Communication methods

Good communication is the backbone of a strong partnership. Both verbal and written methods should be used. Staff should make sure communication fits the needs of each parent. For example, some may prefer face-to-face chats while others engage better through email or texts.

Common communication methods:

• Daily feedback at drop-off and pick-up times
• Newsletters
• Emails or text messages
• Online learning journals
• Scheduled parent meetings
• Notice boards within the setting

Clear communication prevents misunderstandings and keeps parents informed about their child’s progress and activities.

Respecting diversity

Partnerships rely on respect for each family’s values, beliefs and circumstances. Staff must avoid making assumptions about parenting styles or family culture. This means learning about and accommodating different customs, languages and schedules.

Actions to promote respect for diversity:

• Provide translated materials for parents who speak other languages
• Celebrate a range of cultural events
• Offer flexible meeting times to suit working parents
• Use inclusive language and avoid stereotypes
• Show interest in extended family members involved in care

When parents see their culture and values reflected in the setting, they are more likely to engage consistently.

Recording agreements and shared goals

It can be helpful to record agreements or plans that result from discussions with parents. This ensures everyone understands what has been agreed and can refer back if needed.

Examples of recorded agreements:

• Care plans for health conditions
• Learning plans for areas needing extra support
• Behaviour management strategies that both home and setting will follow
• Dates for review meetings

Written records support transparency and accountability.

Responding to parental concerns

Parents will sometimes raise concerns about their child’s experiences in the setting. Prompt, respectful responses maintain trust and stop concerns from escalating. The key is to listen carefully, avoid defensive behaviour and find solutions together.

Steps for handling concerns:

• Arrange a private meeting as soon as possible
• Listen to the parent’s perspective without interruption
• Summarise what they have said to show understanding
• Explain what will be done to address the issue
• Agree any follow-up communication

Parents who feel their concerns are taken seriously are more likely to continue engaging positively.

Encouraging parental involvement

Partnerships grow stronger when parents are actively involved in their child’s learning and activities.

Ways to encourage involvement:

• Invite parents to join trips, events or celebrations
• Share activity ideas for home learning
• Ask them to share skills or cultural traditions with the group
• Offer workshops or information sessions
• Keep them updated on progress and achievements

Involvement keeps parents connected to the setting and reinforces learning at home.

Confidentiality and safeguarding

Building trust depends on protecting family information. Parents need assurance that private details will only be shared with authorised staff. Staff must follow all data protection rules and safeguarding policies.

Good confidentiality practice:

• Store records securely in locked cabinets or password-protected systems
• Share information only when necessary and with consent
• Avoid discussing children or families in public areas
• Follow organisational and legal procedures if sharing information is required for safeguarding

Maintaining confidentiality helps parents feel secure and more willing to share important information.

Maintaining the partnership over time

Once a partnership is set up, it must be maintained through regular interaction and respect. A partnership is a living connection that grows through consistent contact.

Ways to maintain over time:

• Keep communication active and two-way
• Show appreciation for parental contributions
• Follow up on agreed actions
• Review plans and strategies with parents
• Continue providing opportunities for parents to observe and participate in activities

If the setting changes staff or routines, partnerships may need to be refreshed with new introductions and discussions.

Adapting to changes

Children grow and their needs change. Parents’ circumstances can also shift. Staff must adapt the partnership to reflect these changes. This may involve adjusting strategies or increasing support.

Examples:

• Supporting parents through family changes such as separation
• Reviewing learning plans as the child’s skills develop
• Increasing communication during times of difficulty
• Offering extra meetings if the parent requests them

Adapting keeps the partnership relevant and responsive.

Building trust through consistency

Trust is built over time through consistent actions and attitudes. Parents should be able to predict how staff will respond and see that commitments are followed.

Ways to show consistency:

• Use the same key staff member for regular contact
• Follow rules and procedures steadily
• Provide regular, reliable updates
• Handle situations in line with past practice and agreements

Consistency gives parents confidence that staff will act in the child’s best interests.

Training and skills for partnership work

Staff need skills in communication, empathy and cultural awareness to develop strong partnerships. Training can improve these skills and help avoid common problems.

Training areas:

• Active listening techniques
• Conflict resolution
• Language awareness and translating skills
• Child development knowledge
• Safeguarding and confidentiality

Training improves confidence and makes interactions smoother.

Monitoring partnership effectiveness

It is useful to monitor whether a partnership is working well. This can be done through feedback, observations and outcomes for the child.

Monitoring methods:

• Asking parents for feedback during meetings
• Observing how parents take part in activities
• Checking whether agreed actions are completed
• Reviewing the child’s progress together

Regular monitoring can highlight strengths and show where improvement is needed.

Final thoughts

Partnerships with parents are built on trust, respect and shared commitment to the child’s wellbeing. Setting them up involves careful introduction, clear communication and an open attitude toward diversity. Once established, they must be maintained through consistent contact, confidentiality and appreciation for parental input.

Maintaining these partnerships takes ongoing effort but the rewards are significant. Children benefit from a stable and united approach between home and the setting, and parents feel valued as true partners in their child’s development. This aligns with best practice in the children and young people’s workforce, supporting positive experiences and outcomes for every child.