From MadeForMums · · 2m
Parents want to help at school but can't afford to
Time pressures and rising costs are stopping families from getting involved in their children's education.
In brief
Time pressures and rising costs are stopping families from getting involved in their children's education. 59% of parents feel involved in their child's education, down from 80% in 2023, with time and money being the biggest barriers. Originally reported by MadeForMums.
Parents feel shut out of schools
Only 59% of parents say they feel involved in their child's education, down from 80% in 2023. Yet 85% want to play a bigger role.
Poor families feel most excluded
74% of parents in affluent households feel involved, compared with just 46% in the poorest households. London parents feel most connected at 76%.
Time is the biggest barrier
44% of parents say lack of time stops them getting involved. Another 21% haven't been asked to help, and 13% don't know what they could offer.
Schools aren't explaining home learning
Almost one in five parents say their school doesn't give clear information about supporting learning at home. Secondary schools are worse than primary.
School communication is getting worse
65% say their school communicates well, down from 71% in 2023. Only 40% believe their school acts on parent feedback.
Families struggle with school costs
Almost a quarter of parents have struggled to pay school costs, while three in 10 cut back elsewhere to cover them. Half of poor families have struggled.
Cost keeps kids off school trips
38% of children didn't go on a school trip last year. For 16% of families, cost was the reason they stayed home.
A quarter miss out on clubs
One in four children don't do any enrichment activities. Three in 10 parents say cost is the barrier, while a fifth say their child is too busy.
Parents want tech and swimming clubs
35% want schools to offer coding and science clubs, but only 22% say their school does. 32% want swimming lessons, but just 19% have access.
What matters most
59% of parents feel involved in their child's education, down from 80% in 2023, with time and money being the biggest barriers.
