Education – and parenting?

Published: November 1st, 2024

Schools and parents – whose role? A recent article in the Times (12.10.24) argues that schools have taken over the role of parenting – placing some children at odds with their own families. The article cited a number of issues where schools may be treading on the toes of parents with regard to – healthy eating, sex education and the thorny issue of emotional well-being.

The author also mentions that ‘literacy classes have become a vehicle for exploring race and gender, with books chosen for the messages they convey rather than for the story or language used.’ The author claims that teachers may be ‘preaching rather than teaching’. Yet, as a teacher and specialist in language and reading, I would argue that, where appropriate, books should be chosen for the messages they convey (as well as how they convey it). After all, is that not what the purpose of reading is mainly about; messages sent from writers – to be received and reflected upon by readers? 

So, what are the respective roles of teachers and parents when it comes to child development? Should teachers stick only to what is included on the National Curriculum – the subject matter of learning? What is teaching? There was a time when teaching was all about acquiring facts and knowledge. When I was at school, rarely were our opinions on difficult issues sought. Not so now. Children and young people are expected to be involved in creating change. And why not? 

I heartily disagree with the idea that parents and teachers have separate roles that cannot overlap. Take the issue of ‘healthy eating’. If such learning shows some parents to be eating in unhealthy ways – is that a problem? Maybe their children can help teach them something and help their parents to live longer, healthier lives. 

The issue of well-being is a difficult one; in which parents may well find themselves on the opposing side of the school. Yet, if a child is suffering with emotional issues, is it not the role of the school to intervene, albeit in a sensitive way; ideally in collaboration with the parents where possible? 

Is blurring the responsibilities of teachers and parents necessarily bad for education, or disastrous for family life, as this author suggests? I don’t think so. In fact, I think it is time for parents to work together more than ever – with schools being in such a mess. Many children with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) are not succeeding as well as they might; arguably because parents are less involved than they could be. 

PS. Sylvia Edwards is author of fourteen books on education (Routledge), mainly on literacy and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), plus a further five for parents. Now retired, she remains interested in, and passionate about, improving the educational outcomes for all young people, especially those with SEND. Sylvia’s latest educational book is nearing completion: A Simple View of Reading aims to raise reading standards and enable all children to become accomplished readers. 

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