1. Coffee Mornings

Objective: Foster informal communication and strengthen relationships between parents and college staff.
Frequency: Monthly coffee mornings.
Format: Casual gatherings with light refreshments, featuring a different theme each month (e.g., academic success, mental health).
Facilitators: Invite college staff, guest speakers, and possibly parents to share experiences.
Topics:
– Navigating teenage years: Challenges and solutions.
– Understanding college resources and support systems.
– How to support your child’s academic journey.

Action Steps

– Promote through newsletters, social media, and college website.
– Set up an RSVP system to gauge attendance and plan accordingly.
– Collect feedback after each event to improve future sessions.

2. Workshops on Mental Health and Teen Issues

Objective: Equip parents with knowledge and tools to support their teenagers effectively.
Frequency: Quarterly workshops.
Topics:
– Recognising signs of mental health issues in teenagers.
– Strategies for open communication with teens.
– Resources available for mental health support.
– Managing academic pressure and stress.

Action Steps

– Collaborate with mental health professionals to design and facilitate workshops.
– Create informational materials to distribute during sessions.
– Follow up with participants via email to provide additional resources and support.

 3. Improved Communication Strategies

Objective: Enhance the relationship between parents/carers and the college through effective communication.
Regular Updates:
– Monthly newsletters highlighting events, resources, and learner achievements.
– Dedicated section on the College website for parent resources.
Feedback Mechanism:
– Establish an online platform for parents to provide feedback on college policies and initiatives.
– Conduct surveys to assess parent needs and expectations.

4. Building a Parent Network

Objective: Create a support network among parents and carers.
Parent Support Groups:
– Establish groups based on shared interests or concerns (e.g., mental health, academic pressure).
Volunteer Opportunities:
– Encourage parents to get involved in college events and initiatives, fostering a sense of belonging.

Action Steps

– Organise an initial meeting to gauge interest and gather ideas for the parent network.
– Facilitate ongoing communication among network members.

 5. Evaluation and Feedback

Objective: Continuously assess the effectiveness of engagement strategies and make improvements.
Feedback Surveys:
– After each event, distribute surveys to gather insights and suggestions for improvement.
Annual Review:
– Conduct an annual evaluation of parent engagement initiatives, assessing participation rates and feedback to inform future planning.

Action Steps

– Analyse survey data to identify trends and areas for improvement.
– Adjust strategies based on feedback and changing parent needs.