Parent Partnership in EYFS — Knowledge Organiser

Parent partnership in EYFS

1. 1 Why parent partnership matters Parents are a child's first and most enduring educators. The EYFS recognises that parents and practitioners working together in the best interests of children produces the best outcomes. A child who experiences consistency between home and setting learns and develops better.
2. 2 The key person and parents The key person is the primary link between the setting and the family. They know the child's home context and share the child's learning at the setting. Regular, specific communication from the key person builds the partnership.
3. 3 Two-year progress check At age 2-3, a summary of the child's development across the prime areas must be shared with parents. This is an opportunity to celebrate progress, identify any concerns early, and ensure parents understand their child's developmental stage.
4. 4 Daily communication The end of session handover (brief, specific, positive). Learning journeys shared regularly. An accessible display of current learning. A home-learning suggestion each week. Text/app updates. The form should suit the parent — some prefer face-to-face, some prefer written.
5. 5 Supporting parents as educators Share what children are learning and why. Suggest activities at home (making, reading, exploring). Share vocabulary children are learning so parents can use it. Show parents how to play with their child in a way that supports development. Not all parents have had models of learning play.
6. 6 Hard-to-reach families Families that appear hard to reach are often those who have had negative experiences of school or who face practical barriers (language, work, transport, childcare). Meeting families where they are — in the community, at different times — and building trust through persistence works better than waiting for them to come to you.
7. 7 Sharing concerns with parents Early, honest, and kind. Not at the end of the day when time is short. Ask for their experience first. Offer evidence and specific examples. Listen before advising. Agree a shared plan. Document the conversation.