How to engage with your Classlist parents

So, you've got your site set up and invited all your parents to join? Perfect, that's the slog over. Now for the fun bit! 

Aside from all the useful tools such as Announcements, Events and the Parent Map; Classlist also offers a unique platform for parents to engage with one another in a protected environment. Sometimes, especially just as you start out with Classlist, you may find parents are a little hesitant about using the site. This is natural; below are a number of topics that we have found to be successful in engaging the school community. Also take a look at our tips to help parents get started article.

The aim is to create a community where it feels safe to discuss relevant topics; from the mundane to the exciting, growing your community in the process. And remember, the most important thing is to make sure everyone has an enjoyable time!

Topics that affect the school

Topics that affect the school are always a popular, be they current events going on within the school (such as school fairs or a sports team doing well), to those that fall outside the school's remit (such as the restructuring of the curriculum). 

It's always a great idea to start a discussion about events after they happen. You can start by thanking everyone for taking part (volunteers and those who donated/purchased), ensuring people feel their efforts were appreciated, so they will do it again next time!

Current goings on

Classlist is a great platform to share opinion on the current goings-on in the world, especially those that affect your school and your children. Share your thoughts on the newest 'Teen Craze' or discuss why you think the most recent BAFTA runner up should have come first. It's a big world and there's so much to discuss!

Mums (and Dads) nights out

Being a parent can be tough, at least you can relax at the pub with a few friends after a hard day (as long as you have a sitter!). Classlist provides an easy way to contact a group of parents about meeting up, you can then use the events page to finalise a date. You can even create a coffee morning for the morning after, you might need the boost. 

Remember, once you've finalised a few details, you can make an event. This way everyone knows when and where they are going!

Fundraising

If you have any ongoing fundraising events, be they for the school or another good cause, make sure to share them to Classlist! Be sure to include any links to appropriate fundraising pages so that people can donate!

Reminders

Though these don't act as discussion-starters per-se, posting reminders to parents on Classlist can prove to be incredibly useful. Parents check Classlist regularly (especially just before and just after School), so reminding them that today is a Mufti-day, or the final day to bring in a school-trip form, can really be a lifesaver!

Remember, each of your schools might operate in slightly different ways! Often it is best to go with what feels most natural, but don't be afraid to be the trendsetter that sets alight the discussion!