A school in Gelligaer has reported increased attendance for two years in a row, thanks to a Welsh Government-funded Pupil Development Grant (PDG).
Greenhill Primary School has used its PDG funding to hire a Family and Community Engagement (FaCE) Officer, Emma Gould, whose role is to strengthen links between school and home, and to maximise opportunities to involve parents in their children’s learning. Emma was also tasked with developing links with the wider community.
A number of successful projects have since been launched, including a scheme where parents can attend classes held at the school.
FaCE Officer Emma Gould said: “The engagement projects the PDG has funded has increased opportunities for parents to come into school and thereby feel a valued part of the school community.
All it takes is for someone to dedicate time to fostering these relationships, and I’m very happy to be a part of it.”
Headteacher Lisa Jones praised Ms Gould as “the essential link between the school, the pupils and their families.”
“Since we identified the need for a FaCE Officer, the PDG funding has allowed us to develop a number of different projects.
“Parents are remarking on how friendly and happy the school is, and that atmosphere is an integral part of the partnership between us and them.”