Research shows many parents completely ignored by schools

 

• Families Need Fathers (FNF) research shows 44% of Non-Resident Parents (NRPs) have no communication with their children’s schools

• The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) sets a goal for stronger relationships between schools and all parents, whatever their circumstances

 

As the school term starts again this week, research conducted by FNF has found that 44% of non-resident parents will receive no correspondence from their children’s schools, 49% will not be invited to parents’ evenings and 75% would like greater levels of information and involvement in their children’s education but will be completely ignored.

These worrying findings coincide with the recent publication of The Children’s Plan by the DCSF, which sets out the Department’s aim “to make this the best place in the world for our children and young people to grow up.” A central theme of the plan is “partnership with parents”; the need to involve parents as fully as possible in the education of their children, improving information provision and explicitly states that a new relationship is needed with parents “no matter what their personal circumstances – mothers, fathers, non-resident parents, lone parents and working parents”.

FNF welcomes these much-needed announcements which now need to be put into practice. John Baker, FNF Chair said: “Too many children are being denied the vital input of a parent in all aspects of their lives once a parental relationship breaks down. This absence can be particularly marked in the child’s education when schools fail to communicate with the non-resident parent.

The commitment made in The Children’s Plan to develop and maintain relationships between schools and all parents is significant, but it is essential that talk now becomes action” he added.

A summary of findings from the report of FNF’s research study The things that matter! Are you kept informed? can be found at the end of this release. The full report is on the FNF website at http://www.fnf.org.uk/publications-resources/research. Alternatively contact the office on 0207 613 5060.

-  ENDS -

 

For comment or information please contact us

 

 Note for editors: Families Need Fathers (FNF) is a registered charity providing information and support on shared parenting issues arising from family breakdown, and support to divorced and separated parents, irrespective of gender or marital status. Our primary concern is the maintenance of the child’s relationship with both parents. Founded in 1974, FNF helps thousands of parents every year.

 

 

Please see Families Need Fathers ‘programme for change’ Father’s Day Manifesto at

http://www.fnf.org.uk/publications-resources/articles/fathers-day-manifesto

 

 

Summary of findings

 

59 individuals (men and women) responded to the questions concerning experiences with schools.

1. Do you receive correspondence from your child(ren)’s school(s)? (59 answers)

• 26 respondents (44%) said they had not received correspondence from their child(rens)’ school(s).
• 33 respondents (56%) said they had received correspondence from their child(rens)’ school(s).

 

2. Are you invited to parents’ evenings? (58 answers)

• 28 respondents (49%) said they had not been invited to attend parents’ evenings.
• 30 respondents (51%) said they had been invited to attend parents’ evenings.

 

3. Do you feel that you are kept sufficiently involved and informed by the school(s)? 56 answers

• 42 (75%) respondents said they did not feel that they were kept sufficiently involved and informed.
• 14 (25%) respondents said they did feel that they were kept sufficiently involved and informed.