Research consistently shows that having supportive adults at home makes an enormous difference to children’s capacity to learn at school. But although everyone wants to help their child, lots of parents feel that they don’t know how. That’s where we come in.
We give parents a real understanding of what learning is like for children, and help them get the most out of reading at home and family activities. Learn more >
We help schools develop strategies for building effective relationships between teachers and parents. Learn more >
We deliver training and SFA-funded family learning, from workshops to longer accredited courses. Learn more >
Reading is one of the most important things a child ever learns to do.
In our enjoyable and popular Easy to Read workshop we show parents how to make reading time at home both enjoyable and meaningful – and explain why, as parents, they are uniquely equipped to do so.
“This session gave me some fantastic ideas and tips.” Mary J
“Really good practical tips for encouraging reluctant readers… and calming parents!” Charlotte S
The techniques and insights we offer are not difficult to learn or put into practice. But they are effective and they do make a real difference.
The Easy to Read session lasts about two hours, is suitable for up to 14 adults and can take place during the school day, evenings or at weekends.
These creative and enjoyable workshops are usually inspired by a popular children’s book, such as Dear Zoo, Jack and the Beanstalk, or The Gingerbread Man.
We show how activities and games – see examples in our recent piece in the Guardian – can bring the stories to life and help children to develop literacy and numeracy skills. At the same time, parents develop skills, knowledge and confidence about how to help their children.
“I now understand what my child sees when he looks at the words on the page! Thank you.” Amina P.
Family workshops usually last about two hours and are designed for about 10 families.
We are happy to build a session around a particular book or theme.
We can work with PTAs and other organisations to develop the learning aspect of family events and activities.
Our experience suggests that, even if they had time to spare to offer support to parents, most teachers recognise that their expertise is in working with children, rather than adults. Many teachers say they wish they had more training on communicating with parents.
“We all know we need to increase parental involvement and engagement and Ampersand did just that. Parents and Grandparents were actively involved with their child for the whole morning. Everyone loved it. If, like us, you don’t get significant additional funding and staffing for extended services and home/school links, but know that you should and could be doing more, I’d thoroughly recommend Clio and Ampersand.” Kate Frood – Headteacher at Eleanor Palmer Primary School
We understand the different perspectives of parents and schools and can help bring about improved communication and relationships. Parents who are well informed about how and what their children learn not only help their children achieve, they also have greater respect for teachers!
Ampersand can help schools assess their current work with parents and help to focus precious energy and time on effective strategies that have a real impact on children’s learning.
We have devised and delivered innovative projects that combine excellent learner recruitment at the same time as building the capacity and expertise of primary school staff in offering information and support to parents and carers as part their extended school services.
We can deliver across the range of SFA-funded family learning provision, from workshops to longer accredited courses. We can offer support on creating robust evidence of progress and achievement to fulfil RARPA requirements as well as on delivery of accredited courses.
We understand the challenges of recruiting and retaining learners with Skills for Life needs, from years of experience of working with families in the London boroughs of Camden, Islington, Tower Hamlets and Southwark.
We also understand LAs’ need for accurate and timely returns on recruitment, retention and achievement. We undertake risk assessments, provide analysis of evaluations and other reports as required in order to fulfil QA requirements.
We place a high value on the quality of the learner experience, and work hard to ensure that the time learners spend with us is rewarding, informative and enjoyable.
Ampersand have proved themselves an excellent provider. They have demonstrated energy and enthusiasm in developing new partnerships with schools to deliver an innovative programme which is effective in meeting the needs of parents and also builds the capacity of schools to sustain in the future.Jennie Lavis, Deputy Head of Service, Camden ACL