David Melding AM met with Tracey Handley, Programmes Manager for Wales and representatives from Parentkind to discuss how to support parental engagement in education in South Wales Central.
Parentkind, previously known as PTA UK, is a national charity that champions the parent role in education and is the leading membership organisation supporting Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) and other parent groups in schools nationwide, with over 13,700 member schools across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Parentkind welcomed AMs to an event held at the Senedd, Cardiff Bay where they learned about the benefits of parental engagement in a child’s schooling, how they can support their constituents to get involved and promised to promote the value and importance of parental involvement in education to help children achieve their potential.
David was pleased to hear that there are schools in the constituency that are Parentkind members, who are being supported by the charity with practical advice and information to help them support their schools and work with them to give pupils the best opportunities for a positive education.
During the session, David was delighted to sign up to Parentkind’s pledge which states:
“I consider the active participation of parents an essential ingredient in the success of our children’s education and I commit to supporting education policy that brings homes and schools together for the good of all children and society, where more parents are engaged in their child’s education in more ways."
Acting CEO Michelle Doyle Wildman said: “We are hugely encouraged that so many AMs have pledged their support to Parentkind’s mission. Whether it’s supporting learning at home or volunteering at school, there is substantial evidence of the enormous positive impact that parental involvement throughout the school years has on a child’s education. As well as greatly enhance how well a child does at school, it’s very fulfilling for parents of all kinds.
Tracey Handley said “We look forward to working with David over the coming months in our efforts to establish parental participation in schools as an essential part of school improvement plans and positive outcomes for every child.”
Parentkind will be continuing its work at a local and national level. If you are a parent or carer, PTA or parent group, teacher, school leader or governor, you can find out more about how Parentkind can support you and what they are doing in your local area by visiting https://www.parentkind.org.uk/ or get in touch at info@parentkind.org.uk
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Parentkind is working with Public Affairs specialists Positif Politics. For further information, please contact the Parentkind press office on 01732 375 477 or via email at positif@positifgroup.wales
About Parentkind
Parentkind is the new name for PTA UK, and is the charity that champions parents so that they can participate in their child’s education and school life to the full. Parentkind is also the largest membership body of Parent Teacher Associations and other parent groups in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Parentkind works in partnership with Parent Councils UK providing training to teachers, governors and parents to build successful home-school relationships. For further information see www.parentkind.org.uk
