This past year and a half have been difficult for just about everyone. It’s been tough for anyone involved with education. Schools are now returning to basic normality. They will, however, need some time to get properly back on their feet. With that in mind, here are three ways you can help your child’s school this coming year.

Get involved with school fundraising.

Realistically, for most schools, fundraising is going to be essential. Central budgets are likely to be pared back to the absolute minimum. What’s more, there’s almost certainly going to be a huge demand for whatever funding is available. It’s common knowledge that many children have really struggled to learn under pandemic conditions. They’ll need extra help to catch up.

The good news is that school fundraising really can be fun. It can also be educational for everyone involved. Ideally, that should mean parents and children as well as staff. Done properly, fundraising should raise money for the school and the children without putting anyone under financial pressure.  

Local businesses will often be eager to get involved to help build good relationships with (potential) customers. In fact, getting involved with school fundraising can be as good for the donors as it is for the recipients. They can be a great source of competition prizes, supplies to make items to sell and/or professional skills schools could really use.

Volunteer your time

Schools always have to deal with some children who struggle with their education. However, this year, they’re almost certainly going to have to offer extra help to children who would normally manage just fine. Even managing group classes will take up resources schools may struggle to find. Some children will really need or at least benefit from one-to-one tuition.

Whatever your skills are, your child’s school is likely to welcome them. Furthermore, there are probably going to be a lot of opportunities to help outside core school hours. These may fit better with your personal commitments.  

Even if you don’t feel up to helping with teaching or tutoring, you could help with extra-curricular activities. These will be particularly important over the next year or two as schools work to get children used to being in groups again. Social skills are at least as important as academic ones and, post-COVID19, many children will need help to (re)learn them.

Be understanding

It’s a parent’s job to do what’s best for their child. It’s a school’s job to do what’s best for the children in general. In the real world, what’s best for the children, in general, may not be what’s best for your own child. This can be a very frustrating situation for the school, the parents and the child.

Like all frustrating situations, however, it’s generally best solved by cooperation rather than conflict. In general, the best approach is to think not just about what you want for your child but why you want it. Then speak to the school about this and see what they say.  

If the school disagrees with your assessment, listen to their reasoning. You may find yourself reassessing your initial views. At the very least you may find that the school does make some points you agree with. This may be enough to reach a consensus and a way forward. If, however, it isn’t, then you are totally within your rights to make your own arrangements to give your child what you believe they need. If money is an issue, then getting together with other parents in the same situation may be the answer. For example, organizing private tutoring for a small group can be more affordable than paying for one-to-one tuition.