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It is situated near a bus route; however, it is difficult for families traveling to the area by car. This is because there are no parking areas, and the street on which the school is situated is too small for a lot of traffic.

For many parents school was not a positive experience and they feel inadequate in a school setting (Siraj-Blatchford and Clarke, 2000). Parents may also feel uneasy if their cultural style or socioeconomic level differs from those of teachers. Other parents do not enter schools because the environment appears unwelcoming (Bickart et al, 1999). This is because parents feel that educators talk down to them or speak in educational jargon they do not understand. Therefore, it is important that there is good communication between both parties, and this can be done in many ways. While on placement it was observed that teachers did not make themselves available. In the morning parents would bring the children into the classroom, but the teacher would not meet and greet. However, at the end of the school day she would take the children out to the playground for the parents to collect. It appears that parents used to only approach the teacher when there was an issue, and not social reasons.

Recommendations:

It is important to make parents aware about the importance of parental involvement.
Instead of having events during the day, have them in the evening. If the evenings are the only time parents have with the children, make the events a group activity. Make the children a part of the reviews.
Send information home about the importance of parental involvement, with activity suggestions (Nutbrown, 1999).
- An information video.
- Colourful booklets.

The school has got to make the outside as inviting as the inside. If there is no where to park the underlying message is Do not stay longer than necessary'.
Across the road there is a pub. The Head teacher could come to an arrangement with the proprietor about letting parents use the pub car park.
A sign by the front gate, welcoming people to the school, and indicating areas to park, would be inviting.

Teachers should review research into the significance of, and ways of implementing, parental involvement.
Have a staff meeting where recent papers are reviewed
- PowerPoint main points so teachers do not feel intimidated.
- Brainstorm ideas of how to get parents into school for other reasons than to discuss issues.
- Welcome children into the class
- Greet parents with good morning' (Bickart et al, 1999).

Communication

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