Building bridges : parental involvement in primary schools

Abstract

This research “Building Bridges: Parental Involvement in Primary Schools”, aimed to explore the levels of Parental involvement in Primary Schools, through a case study of a Primary State school. The study analysed the different measures taken to involve parents in their child’s education. Moreover, the research aimed at determining different barriers that may hinder parental involvement in Primary schools. A review of literature on Parental involvement was carried out. A qualitative approach was then taken to investigate Parental involvement in a single Primary school, through Focus Groups. Senior Management Team members, teachers and parents all coming from the same Primary State school participated in the study. Following the analysis of the data gathered, findings show that educators take various measures to involve parents in their child’s education through communication and organisation of school activities, however, parents are not involved decision making processes within the school. Results showed that educators have differing attitudes towards the different levels of parental involvement, Further analysis of the results show that parents have different aspirations towards involvement in school, whilst some are satisfied with the current levels of parental involvement others aspire to increase their participation in school. To conclude this research, the researcher made recommendations on further studies in the field whilst also commenting on different measures that can be taken to improve parental involvement in Primary Schools.