Heron Academy Is Proud to Be Part of the Parent-Friendly Schools Programme

At Heron Academy, we are delighted to share that we are now part of the Parent-Friendly Schools initiative — a national programme designed to strengthen the partnership between schools and families for the benefit of every pupil.

Being a Parent-Friendly School means we are committed to fostering genuine collaboration with parents and carers, recognising that when families and schools work together, children thrive. The Parent-Friendly Schools programme, developed by the UK’s leading parent charity Parentkind, offers a research-based framework and accreditation that helps schools improve parent participation in school life and learning.

What This Means for Our Community

As a school involved in this programme:

• We are using evidence-based practice to review and enhance how we engage with parents and carers.

• We are taking part in a structured process that can lead to recognised accreditation — from Standard to Silver and ultimately Gold Parent-Friendly School status — by embedding best practice in parent participation.

• We are embracing continuous improvement, using tools and support from the Parent-Friendly Schools network to strengthen communication, involvement, and partnership with families.

Why It Matters

Research shows that active parent engagement in schooling can have a profound impact on pupils’ outcomes — from helping raise attendance and academic progress to supporting wellbeing and strengthening trust between home and school.

By being part of this initiative, we are showing that our school values:

• Open, two-way communication with families

• Respectful and inclusive relationships

• Collaborative action to support students’ learning and development

Our Commitment

We understand that strong home-school partnerships don’t happen by accident — they are built through intentional practice, listening, and shared goals. Our involvement with the Parent-Friendly Schools programme reflects our commitment to creating a school environment where every parent feels welcomed, valued, and empowered to contribute positively to their child’s education.

We look forward to continuing this journey and sharing our progress with you as we grow together as a parent-friendly community.