Parents as Partners

During the project we involved parents and carers by:

  • seeking information and parental views about media and their child's interactions with it
  • sharing information about the project and its aims
  • creating a shared understanding of how we can all (parents, carers, educators and children) use moving image education to support learners

An important element of the Early Years project was the development of a 'Media Bag' which parents and carers could use at home with their children. A Scottish Screen Lead Practitioner demonstrated how these materials can be used to support young children literacy, communication and play skills. Parents responded positively to this input. One commented that it was good to be hearing something positive and supportive about media and television as many parents worry about it.

To date the media bag library has consistently been used by a small but growing number of families.

Here are some useful suggestions for setting up and running a library: Always consult parents' views and invite them to be involved.

  • Research the contents of the media bags seeking the views of those that are going to use them - parents and children.
  • Think carefully about how you are going to run the library. Will it be the responsibility of staff, parents or joint?
  • Think carefully about where the library will be sited. It must be easily accessible for parents and children - in the entrance hallway, class or on a mobile trolley.
  • Think about how the staff will promote the library to families. It is important that you show families that you value these resources and the learning opportunities they provide.
  • Add new titles and resources regularly and share the arrival of these with families.
  • Have events throughout the year that promote moving image, for example a new media bag could be sent home on a rota basis to all families.
  • Provide notebooks in each media bag so that parents and children can feedback on their use of them.