Key role of parents

This policy brief examines the role of parental engagement in supporting children’s learning, well-being, and inclusion, and its potential to reduce socioeconomic gaps in educational outcomes. It identifies persistent barriers to meaningful engagement across European countries, including low trust, cultural and language differences, time constraints, and limited school capacity to involve parents beyond formal structures. The brief calls for targeted investment in trust-based outreach, dedicated liaison roles, and school-community partnerships, as well as stronger teacher preparation to facilitate effective collaboration with families.