Securing Active and Positive Parental Engagement

• Presented by Clare Higgins, Headteacher Holy Cross Primary School

Holy Cross Catholic Primary School is situated in North Birkenhead, an area of high deprivation. With around 70% of pupils eligible for free school meals (FSM), the school has more than triple the number of disadvantaged pupils than the national average. The number of children who receive additional support for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is also significantly above the national average. Their Ofsted report recognised Holy Cross’ inclusive ethos, with pupils’ personal development and wellbeing identified as a strength, highlighting how they are, “central to the work of leaders and teachers”.

Clare Higgins is a passionate advocate for developing an inclusive culture for pupils, families and local community, living and breathing the values of inclusion each day and putting children at the heart of everything she does. Pupils wider experience is a key focus as the school recognise the need to provide the children with a variety of enriching experiences which they would not otherwise get outside of school. To develop pupil’s cultural capital, the staff have devised a ‘bucket list’ of 18 activities the children will complete from when they join Holy Cross in the Nursery to when they leave in Year 6. The school’s journey to improve parental engagement has resulted in outstanding provision.

In view of the comprehensive support offered to families, Holy Cross serves as more than a school in the local area. For some, it is the only constant, safe place where families can seek help and advice.  The school has in-depth understanding of their local community informed by a wide reaching multi-disciplinary team which has all facets of the community represented. This contextual knowledge drives their impressive provision for parents. The school supports parents and carers in terms of their mental health and wellbeing, parent workshops are linked to contextual need and there are opportunities for them to complete qualifications which are designed to help improve their quality of life, as well as that of their children. The value of the school’s innovative work on parental engagement is recognised by parents across the school has also had the impact of improving attendance and reducing PA.