If Your School Had a Dating Profile, Would Parents Swipe Right?

Course introduction

Practical Strategies to Engage Parents and Improve Outcomes

First impressions matter. But if parents were looking at your school through fresh eyes, what would they really see?

A welcoming, approachable school where they feel valued, listened to and involved? Or one where communication is confusing, relationships feel one-sided and getting through the school gates can seem daunting?

And here’s a question worth asking: Are parents really hard to engage, or are our schools sometimes hard for parents to engage with?

Positive relationships with parents can help reduce confrontation and complaints, improve communication and support children’s learning, behaviour, attendance and wellbeing. Yet building these relationships isn’t always easy, particularly when trust has broken down or families have had negative experiences of education.

This lively, thought-provoking and practical three-hour course challenges participants to see their school through parents’ eyes, question assumptions and identify what might be preventing families from getting involved.

We’ll explore what makes parents feel welcome, what puts them off and how small changes to communication, accessibility and school culture can make a real difference. From engaging families who rarely have contact with school to strengthening parent voice and managing challenging relationships, participants will discover practical strategies they can use straight away.

The aim is simple: to help schools become places where parents don’t just feel invited, but genuinely want to be involved, creating stronger partnerships, fewer confrontations and better outcomes for children.

What we will cover throughout the day

• See Your School Through Parents' Eyes: Identify what makes families feel welcome and valued, and uncover the barriers that may be preventing them from engaging.

• Reach Parents Who Rarely Engage: Discover practical ways to connect with families who feel disconnected, reluctant or have lost trust in schools.

• Reduce Parental Confrontation and Complaints: Learn strategies to build trust, manage difficult conversations and address concerns before they escalate.

• Make Your School More Accessible and Parent-Friendly: Explore simple changes to communication, technology, parent voice and everyday school practices that encourage greater involvement.

• Turn Parental Engagement into Better Outcomes: Develop practical actions to strengthen home-school partnerships that support children's learning, attendance, behaviour and wellbeing.

Target audience

Headteachers, Deputy and Assistant Headteachers, Senior Leaders, Teachers, SENDCOs/ALNCos, Pastoral Leaders, Family Engagement Officers, Parent Support Advisers, Attendance Leads and Officers, Designated Safeguarding Leads, Family Liaison Officers, Teaching Assistants and all school staff responsible for strengthening parental engagement and building positive relationships with families.

Trainers for this course

Nicola S. Morgan

BAEd QTS

Nicola S. Morgan is an multi award-winning TEDx and keynote speaker, international education consultant, author and teacher with over twenty-eight years’ experience working in a variety... of education settings. During this time, she has developed a reputation for successfully managing the most challenging behaviour as well as motivating and inspiring staff to help implement long term and lasting change. Having failed hard and then successfully completed the English Channel swim solo she prides herself on specialising in two key areas, Resilience and Behaviour. A Certified NLP Master Practitioner, IVET Foundation Affiliate and Resilient Leaders Elements and International Values-Based Education Consultant, Nicola has worked with thousands of professionals across education reconnect with what they do best lead with clarity, courage and calm.Read more

See what others have to say about us

“The trainer kept a clear focus throughout and it was really helpful to discuss scenarios together with other members. I feel that I have learnt some good skills to bring to my workplace and that will be helpful when talking to parents.”

“Thank you for a great course. I have taken strategies away with me including breaking state, following up the conversation via email and flipping the situation.”

“Absolutely fantastic course, really enjoyed it. The trainer was excellent in delivering the course in a friendly and fun but informative way. I have learnt new skills that I can take away and hopefully practice.”

About the venue

• The course will run via Zoom from 9:30 am – 12:30 pm, however, the trainer will be available 15 minutes before and after the course times to answer any questions.
• You’ll receive a mid-morning break to re-energise.
• This course is designed to be interactive and inclusive. We welcome questions and discussions throughout and we want you to be comfortable and stress-free no matter where you join us from!
• Your course handouts will be emailed to you on the morning of the course.
• Additional links and information will be emailed to you before and during the course.
• This course is also available as an in-house / INSET training session at your school. Contact us for details.
• Please Note – the cost is per person
• Please note – the early bird rate of £185+ VAT ends 28 days prior to the course date, after this the standard rate of £215+VAT will be charged.

Handy course logistics

Stay at home, get comfortable and enjoy our live interactive course via Zoom! You’ll receive the link a few days before the course date so you can get prepared (and excited) ahead of time.