Nursery World - Working with Families

This year’s lockdown prompted new and unexpected forms of parental engagement at settings. Dr Catherine Davies, Dr Louise Tracey and Dr Julian Grenier report

Little Owls found that sharing resources was more successful if accompanied by clear examples of how to use them

The impact of parental engagement on children’s early years education is well known. Good relationships help families understand what is going on behind their child’s activities in settings, empowering them to continue the good work at home. In turn, good home learning environments have significant influence on children’s later academic success.

The Covid-19 lockdown drastically reduced the number of children attending settings, changed the working lives of early years staff, and removed important face-to-face communication with families. Routines were disrupted and children’s social lives changed unrecognisably. Suddenly, parents became sole carers and playmates while juggling home and work.

As many took up their role as unqualified educators, they worried about how they would support their children’s learning and well-being. Families needed professional support more than ever. How could the sector provide a service when established forms of family contact had been cut off and staff were facing their own challenges?

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