Strong communication between schools and parents makes a huge difference. When parents feel informed and involved, pupils are more likely to succeed, and small issues are less likely to grow into bigger problems. Yet many schools still struggle with how often to share updates, what to share, and which channels to use.
The good news is that improving communication doesn’t always mean adding more work for teachers. Small, thoughtful changes can build trust, strengthen relationships, and create a partnership where parents and staff work together for the good of the child.
Make Information Clear and Easy to Access
Parents often say they get “too much information but not the right information.” Newsletters, paper slips, and website updates can all get lost. The key is to make sure that the most important details stand out.
For example, if a school is changing the time of after-school clubs, parents don’t need two pages of background — just a short, clear reminder with the date, time, and any action they need to take. Some schools now use text alerts for urgent updates, while keeping newsletters for longer stories and celebrations.
Use Digital Tools Wisely
Technology can make communication easier, but it can also overwhelm. Many schools now use apps or online portals where parents can check attendance, homework, and behaviour notes. These systems save teachers time and give parents instant access to information.
The challenge is to avoid overloading families with too many platforms. A simple solution is to choose one main tool and use it consistently. For instance, one primary school replaced three different systems with a single parent app. Parents could pay for lunches, see homework, and message the teacher all in one place. Complaints about “missed messages” dropped almost overnight.
Keep Communication Two-Way
Parents don’t just want updates — they want to feel heard. Schools that listen build stronger partnerships. Offering regular opportunities for parents to ask questions or give feedback helps build this trust.
This doesn’t have to mean more formal parents’ evenings. A simple drop-in session once a month, or even a coffee morning with senior staff, gives families a chance to share concerns before they become problems. One headteacher in Manchester set aside 30 minutes each week for an open-door session, and found it reduced the number of frustrated emails because parents felt they had a clear, friendly way to raise issues.
Share the Positives Too
It’s easy for communication to focus only on problems: missed homework, poor behaviour, or upcoming deadlines. Parents appreciate knowing when their child is doing well too. A quick email saying “John really contributed in science today” can completely change how families view the school.
Some teachers keep a “positive contact list” and make a point of sending one short note or making one quick call each week. Parents often share these messages with their children, who feel proud and motivated. It’s a small habit, but it builds a much more supportive relationship.
Match the Message to the Channel
Not every update needs a letter, and not every announcement belongs in a text alert. Matching the message to the channel keeps communication effective without overwhelming parents.
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Quick reminders: use text or app notifications (e.g. “Don’t forget non-uniform day tomorrow”).
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Celebrations and updates: use newsletters, social media, or the school website.
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Sensitive conversations: always best handled face-to-face or by phone, never by email.
One school found that parents were ignoring its long newsletters, so they redesigned them into short, colourful “news bites” with photos of pupil work. Engagement immediately went up, because the format matched how parents wanted to read.
Be Mindful of Different Families
Not all parents access information in the same way. Some may not use email regularly, while others prefer digital tools over paper. Schools that check what works best for their community tend to have smoother communication overall.
For example, in an area with many families where English is a second language, a school started sending short updates with simple wording and added translations where possible. Parents felt included, and engagement at school events increased.
Conclusion
Improving communication with parents doesn’t need to be complicated. The key is clarity, consistency, and empathy. By making important information easy to access, using digital tools sensibly, listening as well as talking, and celebrating the positives, schools can create a stronger partnership with families.
When parents feel informed and respected, they are more likely to support the school’s work. And when home and school pull in the same direction, children are the ones who benefit most.
