Here she explains more about S32: Provide formal and informal opportunities through which information about children's well-being, development and learning can be shared between the setting and families and parents/carers.
The means of communication employed by practitioners for sharing information varies depending on the circumstances. But there are certain common aspects EYPs need to consider to make it effective.
First, it is important to create a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. Some settings choose to have an 'open door' policy that allows parents to come to the setting and speak to practitioners at any suitable time. This strategy gives parents a natural opportunity for an informal discussion, promoting two-way communication and helping practitioners and parents to plan future steps together.
Another aspect EYPs need to consider involves the frequency of communication and the amount of information they wish to share. It is important to keep regular contacts with children's families, and to think carefully about the effective use of time and methods of communication appropriate to specific situations.
The amount of information also needs to be taken into account. This especially applies to sending home newsletters, leaflets or reports, which can be referred to as an 'outward' process that does not always require a response. How can practitioners be sure that all parents have received the information, understood it and acted upon relevant issues appropriately? The key point is that dialogue should encourage some action and feedback from the parents.
EYPs also need to make every effort to gain better knowledge about each family's preferences in terms of the forms and the language of communication. Awareness of the parents' literacy level and the languages spoken at home will help EYPs obtain more response from them in the process of sharing information and create more sincere dialogue with families.
For example, on some busy days it is more manageable to offer parents an opportunity for a longer discussion during 'morning coffee' time than during spontaneous visits throughout the day.
Some settings try to achieve this goal through asking parents to sign and return reply-slips, however examples of effective practice entail instigating further discussion with the parents. Some of these opportunities include 'open door' policy, home visits, social events, involving parents in outings, joint workshops and play sessions.
