One day of listening and shared enquiry grew into an ongoing space for organisations to learn together about family engagement.
The work began with Strengthening Support for Families, a participatory day convened by WFET with Shared Health, School-Home Support and King’s College London.
Practitioners, educators, policy specialists and community voices came together to explore how efforts across education, health and community could be better connected, with particular attention to families and children living in temporary accommodation.
Through facilitated conversations, participants shared their experiences, explored the barriers affecting families and considered where greater collaboration could improve children’s educational experiences and outcomes. The discussions highlighted the importance of trust between families and services, more joined-up support, schools as community hubs and lived experience shaping practice and policy.
Rather than allowing the conversation to end with the event, WFET invited organisations to continue learning together. The Family Engagement Learning Group now meets once each half term, providing space to reflect on practice, explore real challenges and learn from the experience of others.
The group continues to provide a space for learning and connection. As relationships and shared understanding deepen, members are beginning to consider ways of working together, including sharing resources, influencing practice and shaping joint initiatives.
