Encouraging parent and carer involvement at transition to secondary school: exploring a novel school-based programme in three Scottish schools

In policy and practice in Scotland, as elsewhere, there is a drive to encourage the involvement of parents and carers in their children’s education, as a means of improving educational attainment, experiences, and post school destinations (e.g. Education Scotland, 2016; Scottish Government, 2016). An innovative ‘Parents in Partnership’ (PIP) programme took place, supported by CELCIS, in one local authority area. The transition to a new school can be challenging (e.g. Smith, 2006; Brewin & Statham , 2011), and PIP therefore focused on parents/ carers of pupils who had recently entered secondary school. The programme aimed to encourage and support the engagement of parents/ carers with their child’s new school, and to improve knowledge of the school premises, school life, and available support. A total of 37 parents and carers took part.