BESA CORNER
This month in our ongoing feature highlighting the work of the UK education suppliers’ trade body BESA, we hear from Learning Ladders Education and MOEducation.
Unlocking potential: the critical role of parents in education Comment by MATTHEW KOSTER-MARCON, Founding CEO at Learning Ladders Education
Education is not just what happens in the classroom; it is a dynamic, lifelong process deeply influenced by a child’s home environment. To truly unlock a child’s potential, schools must embrace a holistic approach, fostering strong partnerships between educators and families. The Learning Ladders approach highlights that integrating parents into the learning process leads to increased student motivation, engagement, and confidence. Yet, parental involvement remains an area of challenge for many schools. Traditional models of engagement are often outdated and ineffective. Parents need real-time, accessible, and actionable insights into their child’s progress, not just a snapshot of results at the end of a term.
Schools play a vital role in bridging the gap between home and classroom. The WiKIT review of Learning Ladders highlights that an effective parental engagement model must include timely, efficient, and transparent data-sharing mechanisms. When parents are well-informed about their child’s progress, they are more likely to provide meaningful support at home, reinforcing learning in ways that complement classroom instruction.
Moreover, a whole-school approach to parental involvement is crucial. Schools must foster an environment where parental involvement is welcomed, encouraged, and valued. This means addressing common barriers such as work schedules, language differences, and confidence gaps among parents who may feel unequipped to support their child’s education.
Digital platforms, such as Learning Ladders, are transforming the way schools interact with parents. We can provide real-time updates, tailored feedback, and linked resources that empower parents to engage effectively.
EdTech solutions play a crucial role in making learning more transparent, personalised, and accessible. Interventions that provide structured parental guidance, such as reading strategies or maths support, have the greatest impact on student success. Digital tools can
bridge this gap by offering parents curated resources linked directly to their child’s curriculum.
However, technology alone is not enough. Schools must ensure that digital engagement does not replace human connection but rather enhances it. A blended approach is key to effective engagement. Parental involvement isn’t just about grades; it impacts a child’s emotional well-being. Research from the Education Endowment Foundation has found that children with engaged parents demonstrate higher self-esteem, better behaviour, and improved resilience. Our own WiKIT research report similarly emphasises that when parents and teachers work together, students develop a sense of security and confidence in their learning journey.
Moreover, when parents support teachers, teachers feel more valued and motivated. This fosters a positive school culture where educators, students, and families work collaboratively towards shared goals. For parental engagement to be effective, it must be inclusive, continuous, and action-oriented. Schools should consider the following strategies: • Real-Time Communication: Use digital platforms to give updates on student progress.
• Personalised Support: Offer parents resources tailored to their child’s learning needs.
• Accessible Engagement: Provide multiple ways for parents to participate, including online forums, workshops, and flexible meeting times.
• Strengthening Home-School Relationships: Foster partnerships where parents feel heard and valued.
Read more and download the full WIKIT Report on
www.learningladders.info Creating the right environment for positive mental health
Mental health has always been a crucial aspect of well-being, but the pressures and influences affecting it have evolved over time. As a therapist, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating effects poor mental health can have on both children and adults. Now, more than ever, there is an urgent need to integrate mental health training into the foundations of children’s education. By equipping young minds with the tools to recognize and understand their emotions early on, we can help them build resilience and emotional intelligence that will carry them into adulthood. The role of environment in mental well-being The foundation of positive mental health starts with the environment. Both children and adults need to feel comfortable, relaxed, and safe to truly engage in learning and teaching. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through nature. Creating a natural environment— whether indoors or outdoors—doesn’t have to be complicated, but it plays a vital role in cognitive development, emotional regulation, and overall well-being.
Nature is widely used across industries to create a sense of calm and encourage positive engagement. For example, have you ever noticed that fresh produce is always positioned at the entrance of supermarkets? Or that high-end clothing stores incorporate natural elements in their displays? These design choices make people feel connected, grounded, and more likely to engage—whether in learning or in purchasing. The same principles apply to educational settings. Redesigning learning spaces for positive behaviour A well-planned learning environment can significantly impact children’s behaviour and development. Earlier this year, we were invited to a school struggling with behavioural challenges. The school had implemented different learning areas, such as a colourful art section, a music relaxation space, and fold-out tables for varied activities. However, instead of fostering connection, the separate zones created a sense of disconnection—both between the children and within the room itself. By redesigning the environment to encourage natural flow and cohesion, we saw an immediate transformation. Creativity expanded, social development flourished, and behavioural challenges decreased. This
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www.education-today.co.uk
proves that a well-structured, designed space can have a profound impact on children’s ability to learn, interact, and regulate their emotions. Budget-friendly tips for creating calming learning environments Investing in a calming, nurturing and natural classroom setting doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are some practical ways to create a calming space in schools and early years settings: 1. Room design: for the teachers or the children? While classrooms are designed for children, many are unintentionally set up with adults in mind. Take a step back and assess: • Is student artwork displayed at their eye level? • Is there too much visual clutter, making it overwhelming? • Can children actually see the decorations, like bunting around the ceiling?
A great exercise is to ask children to describe their classroom from their perspective. It can reveal surprising insights into what truly engages or over-stimulates them. 2. Create a Calm Corner
A dedicated calm corner is essential for helping children process their emotions without disrupting the rest of the class. While teacher support is crucial, sometimes children simply need a quiet space to self-regulate before re-engaging with learning. Having a designated area allows for this without causing unnecessary interruptions. 3. Be budget-savvy with environment planning Invest in versatile pieces that grow with your needs. For example: • Indoor buddy benches for social interaction and reflection • Outdoor tunnels that can be decorated seasonally to create ever-changing environments
Each cohort of students will have different needs, so flexible and adaptable design choices will ensure long-term benefits. Remember: bring the outdoors in and the inside out.
www.moeducation.co.uk April 2025
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