Provide options to support flexible communication and collaboration
Suggestion for implementing the strategy ‘Supporting reciprocal relationships with parents and whānau’
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Consulting with whānau
Consulting with whānau
We’ve got to stop thinking we know what whānau want and just ask. Because whānau will tell you, as a school, an institution, it’s what you do with that after they say it which is the important step.
And it’s how we ask, and it’s how often we ask. And it’s how many opportunities we provide for people to be safe in terms of responding openly, honestly, and frankly about what we are doing.
Benita Tahuri and Keriana Tawhiwhirangi
Evaluate family-centred approaches
Evaluate family-centred approaches
Discuss with families ways of working together that respect diversity, are culturally responsive, and recognise individual needs.
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Suggestions for working with parents and whānau
Suggestions for working with parents and whānau
- Regularly communicate positive information and achievements to parents and whānau.
- With Māori whānau, develop a shared understanding of tikanga (cultural practices), such as language, customs, obligations, traditions.
- Promote regular kanohi ki te kanohi, face-to-face contact to reinforce strong communication and engagement with parents and whānau right from the start.
- Communicate and share information in a meaningful way, demonstrating understanding and support for parent and whānau concerns.
- Value what parents, caregivers, family, and whānau have noticed or assessments they have had done outside school.
- Involve parents, families, and whānau in determining strategies to support student learning and well-being.
- Ask about and work with any programmes or materials being used at home to maximise consistency and support for the student.
- Develop systems for passing on information about a student’s needs, progress, and next steps, in ways that are meaningful.
- Hold discussions in environments where families feel safe, and that support their identity and connections e.g. a whānau space, marae, church or community center.
Communicating with Pasifika families
Communicating with Pasifika families
- Use accessible language in communications to families. Avoid professional jargon that might confuse or disempower families.
- Build greater understanding of school activities by providing a rationale for them.
- Ensure that parents know about school activities and opportunities for participation.
- Advise families on the protocol for parent or subject selection meetings (for example, whether the family is expected to ask questions or to simply receive information).
- Use bilingual community liaison people to help bridge language and cultural differences between homes and the school.
- Get parents involved in planning and management (for example, in parent/whānau groups or on boards of trustees).
Source: Supporting Pasifika Success (opens in a new tab/window)
Useful resources
Useful resources
An open door policy that works
Chrissie Rumpler from Owairaka School discusses how to ensure an effective open-classroom-door policy through making connections with the community and having a school structure that values the engagement. She shares some of the things her school has done to ensure that teachers understand why and how to engage with the diverse cultures represented in their school.
Perspectives of whānau
Parents of students needing additional support outline their needs and how schools can best work with them to meet those needs. Key information is from the ERO report Partners in learning: Parents’ voices. An example of practice from a primary school and discussion questions are provided on this page from the Inclusive Practices website (NZ).
Community engagement
This article explains the effectiveness of links between home and school, including links to tools and resources.
Next steps
More suggestions for implementing the strategy “Support reciprocal relationships”:
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How to use this site
Guide to Index of the guide: Parents, whānau, and communities
Strategies for action:
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Model a commitment to inclusionShow suggestions for Model a commitment to inclusion
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Support reciprocal relationshipsShow suggestions for Support reciprocal relationships
- Create a welcoming environment
- Provide options for communicating and collaborating
- Utilise digital technologies
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Partner with whānauShow suggestions for Partner with whānau
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Build community networksShow suggestions for Build community networks
