Parent/Carer Engagement
Parental Engagement at Holmleigh
At Holmleigh, we firmly believe that education is a partnership between home and school, and we view parents and carers as active partners in their children’s educational journey. Research from the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) underscores that parental engagement is the single most changeable factor in a child’s achievement.
We deeply respect and value the support we receive from our parents and carers. Their involvement enriches our school community and plays a vital role in ensuring the success of every child.
Collaborative Community
Our hardworking governing body actively supports and challenges the school to maintain high standards. Additionally, our Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), Friends of Holmleigh, works collaboratively with the whole school community to raise funds for a wide range of projects that benefit our students.
Our Motto: ‘Teamwork Makes the Dream Work’
We are committed to fostering strong partnerships with families and provide various opportunities for parents and carers to engage with the school. Together, we strive to offer the best possible school experience for every child.
Leadership Presence
We value open communication and accessibility. A member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) is present each morning and afternoon at the main gates and in the playground, ensuring they are available to liaise with parents and carers. For urgent matters, families can schedule an appointment with the relevant staff member through the school office.
Engaging with Our Families at Holmleigh
At Holmleigh, we value the partnership between home and school and strive to create meaningful opportunities for parents and carers to engage with their children’s education.
Meet the Team
Every September, we host a Meet the Team information session for families. The event begins with a welcome from the entire team in the school hall, followed by visits to classrooms. During this session, we share key information about the upcoming year, including:
- The curriculum
- Expectations for behaviour and routines
- Homework and reading at home
- Key dates (class assemblies, workshops)
This is also a wonderful opportunity for families to meet their child’s teacher and teaching assistants.
Parents’ Evenings
We offer two formal Parents’ Evenings during the academic year, held in October and March. During these sessions, class teachers share:
- Progress and targets
- Attendance data
At the end of each academic year, all families receive a formal report detailing their child’s achievements and areas for development.
Learning Alongside Children
We invite parents and carers to engage in their children’s learning through various events:
Class Share Sessions
In the spring and summer terms, parents and carers are welcomed into classrooms to participate in their child’s learning journey. These sessions provide a wonderful opportunity for children to showcase their personal successes and for families to engage with the school curriculum.
Themed Weeks and Days
Throughout the year, we host themed events such as Science Evening, Number Day, History Day, and World Book Day. Parents and carers are encouraged to participate, dressing as their favourite characters for World Book Day and joining their children in reading sessions during open library events.
Celebratory Events
Families are invited to attend whole-school assemblies, talent shows, sports day, and productions, fostering a strong sense of community and celebration.
Class Assemblies
Each class prepares an assembly during the year, focusing on topics they’ve studied or current events. These take place at 10:00 a.m., and all family members are warmly invited.
Coffee Mornings and Workshops
We offer a variety of workshops and coffee mornings throughout the year to support parents and carers in developing their knowledge and skills. Topics include phonics, reading, and maths, delivered by school staff or external agencies such as Young Hackney and the Re-Engagement Unit (REU).
As part of the Wellbeing and Mental Health in Schools (WAMHS) project, our school benefits from a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) worker who is present every Friday. They host coffee mornings to discuss available support and collaborate with staff to address the mental health needs of our students. We have also got a Family Support Worker who is available on Thursday afternoons (fortnightly).
We offer open morning events for prospective new parents/carers. In-year admissions are met by the Headteacher, School Liaison Offer and Inclusion Manager for a tour of the school.
Reading Volunteers
At Holmleigh, we are fortunate to have a dedicated group of parents and carers who support children in Reception and Year 1 with our Daily Supported Reading programme. These committed volunteers, who have received training, provide invaluable daily assistance to help our young learners develop essential reading skills.
If you are interested in joining our team of reading volunteers and making a difference, please contact the school office for more information.
Our School Fairs
At Holmleigh, our annual school fairs are shining examples of teamwork at its finest. We hold two fairs each year: one in the autumn term and another in the spring term. These events embody our motto, “Teamwork Makes the Dream Work,” and demonstrate the incredible commitment and support of our school community.
Parents, carers, staff, and students come together in various ways: volunteering, cooking, baking, donating, running stalls, or simply joining in the fun. These fairs are not only a testament to our collective spirit but also wonderful opportunities to celebrate and strengthen our vibrant community.
The Power of Partnership
At Holmleigh, we believe in the power of collaboration and the strength of our school community. Below are two inspiring projects and other initiatives that reflect the meaningful partnerships we foster.
Strengthening the Threads Project with Gustavo Caboco and Francesca Cavallo
We were incredibly fortunate to collaborate on a special project with Gustavo Caboco, an artist whose work focuses on displacement and cultural recovery. This project came to us through Francesca, one of our amazing parents, and provided a valuable learning experience for the entire school community.
The project centered on stitching and embroidery as a means of reconnecting with and strengthening our roots. Through weekly embroidery sessions led by Francesca and other dedicated volunteers, children in Years 3-6 created stunning masterpieces. A group of students also visited the British Museum for an introductory workshop to deepen their understanding of displacement and colonization.
The completed embroidery pieces were taken back to Brazil by Gustavo Caboco to be featured in a book celebrating this incredible collaborative effort.
Mural Project – Rose Hill
Our mural project has transformed the slopes at the school’s main entrance into a vibrant masterpiece that celebrates our diverse community. It serves as both a visual representation of our values and an engaging conversation starter for visitors.
This project began in the summer term of 2024 and involved children, families, and staff working together. Workshops with children in Years 2-6 provided the creative foundation, as they brainstormed ideas for the mural’s design. These were followed by painting sessions during the summer holidays, where families joined in to bring the vision to life.
The mural is a testament to the dedication and teamwork of our community, proving once again that “teamwork makes the dream work!
Communication and Collaboration
Newsletters
Our half-termly newsletter celebrates school activities, learning experiences, and attendance achievements. It also includes updates on upcoming events, mental health and wellbeing support, and other important information. Newsletters are emailed to parents and carers and are also accessible on the school website.
Key Dates and Notices
In September, we share important dates with families, both electronically and in paper form. These dates are displayed on the school gates for easy reference.
Our school noticeboard provides additional information about our governors, the PTA, the Wellbeing and Mental Health project, and other helpful resources.
Home School Agreement
Each September, we share our Home School Agreement with parents and carers. This document outlines the responsibilities of the school, families, and students, ensuring a shared commitment to success. The agreement is also provided during mid-year admissions.
Surveys
We regularly conduct parent and carer surveys to gather feedback and improve our practices. This input is invaluable in ensuring that every child at Holmleigh thrives and experiences success
Morning Exercise
Every morning, children in KS1 and KS2 begin their day with a 5-minute morning exercise led by Rose Hill (a parent) or the Headteacher. It’s a great way to energise and prepare for the day ahead!