Central Coast Council P&C (CCCP&C) has praised a new State Government initiative to help increase parent and carer engagement in their child’s schooling.
Minister for Education and Early Learning, Sarah Mitchell, said the new Student and Parent Experience Directorate within the Department of Education is developing a range of initiatives through consultation and an evidence base which shows a shared responsibility for learning is a key factor in maximising student success.
The main function of the Directorate is to design and deliver high-quality experiences that put the diverse needs of students and parents at the centre of decision making.
Key priorities for the unit include: developing a student engagement framework; establishing an independent, alternative dispute resolution body for complaints; creating resources for schools to send regular SMS messages to parents; and partnering with the Department of Communities and Justice to support advocacy for families of students with a disability.
CCC P&C spokesperson, Sharryn Brownlee, said the move showed an understanding of the need from parents to have clear, consistent policies and procedures across every school.
“Research has shown that students achieve better at school when there is a strong respectful home and school partnership,” she said.
“Many schools have successful communication strategies with apps, newsletters and texts a common occurrence.
“By now having a directorate to support all schools parents know the Minister and the Secretary are serious about the partnership and allowing parents to have access to the information they need to best support their children’s learning.
“In the rare cases where issues and complaints arise it is best practice to have an independent umpire.
“It is very important to have the soon-to-be-established independent, alternative dispute resolution body for complaints.
“As there is no Education Ombudsman this is a great step forward and will free up teaching and learning time to manage complaints.
“By forming a stronger partnership with the Department of Communities and Justice we expect to see a further reduction in suspension figures, more support in classrooms for children and more advocacy for families of students with a disability.
“The next step must be to expand the hubs of special schools for students with behavioural needs.
“More sites are needed in the northern part of the Central Coast as children and families are relocated there and as most of the new homes are being built there.
“We need children educated close to home but in the setting that best supports their learning needs.
“Parents are so pleased to see this investment as they want to work in partnership; they know it takes a community together to raise a child.
Terry Collins