Working with Challenging Parents (Cross Phase)

Parents are more aware of their rights than ever before. They also have higher expectations of their children, the teachers and the school.

Parents play an important part in the successful development of a school, however sometimes their high expectations can manifest themselves in negative behaviours ranging from over-assertiveness to threats of violence and even physical assault.

Module 1 - Context for relationships
Module 2 - Case studies

What has Working with Challenging Parents been designed to do?

? Identify the causes of emotional and irrational parental behaviour
? Develop practical skills that can be used to minimise conflict and deal with threats of violence
? Recognise examples of good practice and productive and supportive relationships with parents
? Refine and review your school’s policy for dealing with difficult parents and develop whole-school approaches that encourage parental inclusion
? Examine teachers’ and parents’ prejudices towards each other
? Conduct a risk assessment for your school and develop a strategy for dealing with challenging parents.

Who is Working with Challenging Parents for?

? Suitable for both Primary and Secondary schools
? Ideal for all teachers, NQTs, support staff, curriculum managers, senior management teams and CPD co-ordinators
? A helpful resource for deputies preparing for headship, NPQH, and new headteachers

''We found working with Challenging Parents’ DVD really useful. Our reception staff learned new skills, adapted existing practice and offered a wide range of additional experience which enhanced the learning of all".
Sue Walch, Assistant Headteacher, Cranbourne Business & Enterprise College

“The balance of rights and responsibilities between the schools and the parents sometimes feels very much like the parents have all the rights and the schools have all the responsibilities.”
John Dunford, General Secretary, (Secondary Heads Association)