Rethinking Parental Engagement: Lessons from the Classroom to the Community

How do schools truly connect with parents beyond the usual events and newsletters? In this episode of the Schools North East Podcast, we sit down with Jonathan Booth, headteacher of Warkworth Primary School, to explore the real challenges and opportunities in parental engagement. From his experiences in inner-city Newcastle to rural Northumberland, Jonathan shares hard-earned lessons on breaking down barriers, building trust, and rethinking the school’s role in the community. We discuss why big events aren’t the answer, the surprising realities of engaging parents in different socio-economic settings, and why humility and empathy matter more than ever. Tune in for an honest, thought-provoking conversation that challenges assumptions and offers practical strategies for every school leader.