Parents and carers

Open communication builds trust between parents, carers, educators and staff. How and how much a person likes to communicate will vary. That’s why it’s important to be flexible about how we communicate.

Keep me informed and make it easy for me to understand

• I receive relevant, clear and timely information about what my child is doing, including any activities or events they may be involved in.
• I am informed about my child’s learning, wellbeing and developmental progress, and about issues that arise.

Make it easy for me to communicate with you

• I can easily talk with educators and staff and contact the right person.
• I can easily share feedback, including any compliments or complaints I may have.

Provide a timely response

• I receive responses that are both timely and respectful when I interact with my child’s school.
  

Be clear about what I can expect and what’s expected from me

When educators and staff form a partnership with parents and carers, everyone benefits from a diversity of views and experiences. Through partnership and collaboration, families and educators gain vital information that helps our children succeed.

• Be clear about what I can expect and what’s expected from me.
• I clearly understand what I should be doing and what I can expect my child’s educators and staff to do.
• I’m shown how to support my child’s learning and development.

Partner with me to achieve shared goals

• I get help in setting goals with my child.
• I work in partnership with my child’s educators and staff to help achieve these shared goals.

Follow up on our discussions

• I can rely on any actions being completed as agreed.

Parents and carers want to feel confident their child is understood and has the support they need to achieve their potential. Confidence comes with communication, connection and responsiveness. Taking the time to mutually understand each other throughout a child’s education is highly valued.

Hear my voice

• I’m asked what’s important to me and what I would like to see happen as a result of my feedback.

Invite my perspective

• My views on my child’s needs are listened to and valued.

Show you understand my individual circumstances

• My child and my individual circumstances are understood and considered.
• My culture is respected.

The decisions parents and carers make and the support they provide through their child’s education can have long-term consequences. This is why they want to be included in decision-making. Parents and carers are uniquely positioned to present their child’s situation and understand any potential impacts on their life.

Clearly explain my choices

• I am informed about any opportunities and choices that are relevant to me and my child.
• My contributions are acknowledged and encouraged.

Be clear about how decisions are made

• I am given a clear explanation about any decisions made and their possible outcomes.

Include me in the decision-making process

• My point of view is welcomed and considered in decisions about my child’s education.