373 parents and carers in Wallsend completed the Wallsend Children’s Community survey, which explored attitudes towards school attendance, parental engagement, civic life, mental health, and personal finances.
Parents and carers with negative personal experiences in education, those who felt there were fewer opportunities to engage with others in Wallsend, or those worried about their financial situation were more likely to feel unhappy, have negative thoughts about themselves, and feel unfulfilled.
Attitudes towards school and school attendance
Although schools were seen as primarily responsible for children’s academic education, nearly four out of five parents and carers also said they shared that responsibility.
The majority of parents and carers said that school attendance was important for their children’s learning and future success, even though 61% reported having had a negative personal experience of school.
Parents and carers of children with special educational needs (SEN), those with negative attitudes toward school attendance, and those who felt there were fewer opportunities to engage with others in Wallsend were more likely to keep their children at home when stressed.
Parents and carers with negative attitudes toward school attendance were also more likely to keep their children at home for minor illnesses.
In addition, parents and carers with negative attitudes toward education, as well as those with children eligible for free school meals, were more likely to take term-time holidays.
Parental involvement and engagement with schools
Only 9% of secondary school parents and carers said that their children’s schools adapted 'very well' to individual needs, compared to 35% of primary school parents and carers. Many of these parents emphasised the need for more individualised mental health and SEN support, for their feedback about their children to be acknowledged and valued, for more up-to-date information about their children’s activities in school, for children’s welfare to be prioritised over school policies, and for stronger action to address bullying.
Parents and carers defined parental engagement as supporting their children’s social, emotional, and academic growth, being emotionally available and present, and showing an interest in their children’s lives. They also emphasised the importance of maintaining a positive relationship with their children’s school, as well as participating in school activities and events. Generally, parents and carers responded positively when asked if the school did enough to involve them in their children’s learning, though responses were slightly less positive among parents with children in secondary school.
Many parents and carers expressed a desire for better and more transparent communication, as well as more (preferably flexible) opportunities for meaningful engagement and collaboration with schools.
