Research shows that parental engagement has a significant impact on student success with Sparx Maths. Schools that enable parent emails see on average 15% higher homework completion rates compared to those that don't. This article explains the importance of parent engagement and provides practical strategies for involving parents in their child's maths learning journey.
Why do we engage parents?
Parents who understand Sparx Maths can better support their children's learning
Regular parent communication helps improve homework completion rates
Parent involvement creates a supportive learning environment at home
Clear parent communication reduces queries to teachers about homework
How we communicate with parents
Welcome emails
Welcome emails
Parents receive two welcome emails when their child starts using Sparx Maths:
The first email explains what Sparx Maths is and how it works
The second email highlights the self-sufficient learning tools available to students
Weekly parent emails
Weekly parent emails
Parents receive automated weekly updates about their child's homework progress
If your school uses multiple Sparx Learning systems, parents will receive a single email containing updates for all systems
Emails include current homework status and completion data
Parents receive emails 3 days before homework is due (or the day after hand-out for shorter homework periods)
Parents can opt out of emails at any time using the unsubscribe link included at the bottom of the email
Password reset emails
Password reset emails
Parents and carers receive this email when a teacher has reset a student's password.
The email contains the student's username and a link to where the student can finish resetting their password and log in.
Parent Portal
Parent Portal
Parents can access detailed homework information through the Parent Portal
A unique Portal link is included in every weekly email
Shows the student's current homework progress and previous homework completion data
Links expire 7 days after the email is sent
Includes a helpful FAQ section
If your school uses multiple Sparx Learning systems, parents can view homework completion information for each system
Strategies for engaging parents
Initial communication
Initial communication
Send an introduction letter explaining Sparx Maths (see our parent letter template)
Share our Parent's guide to Sparx Maths website, which contains helpful videos and resources explaining what Sparx Maths is and how it works
Consider running a presentation at parents' evenings or transition events
Consider setting up a dedicated FAQ page on your school website
Ongoing engagement
Ongoing engagement
Consider including parents in your rewards system (e.g. postcards home, positive phone calls)
Consider using school social media channels to celebrate student success
Share student progress data at parents' evenings
Address parent concerns proactively
Celebrate with certificates
Supporting parents
Key messages to communicate
Key messages to communicate
Homework is personalised to each student's level
Every question includes a support video
Students have adequate time to complete homework
Early completion is recommended to allow time for teacher support
The importance of good bookwork and Bookwork Checks
How to support without over-helping
Useful resources
Useful resources
Parent's Guide to Sparx Maths website
Introduction video explaining Sparx Maths
Frequently Asked Questions
How do parents access homework information?
How do parents access homework information?
Parents receive weekly emails with updates and can access detailed information through the Parent Portal link provided in these emails. Each unique link is valid for 7 days.
Can parents help their child?
Can parents help their child?
Parental support is fantastic, but over-helping or doing the work for the child could lead to Sparx Maths misunderstanding their level and making their homework too difficult. They should encourage their child to:
Have a go at the question before seeking help
Watch the videos when they get stuck
Speak to their teacher before the homework hand in day/time if they need additional support
What if parents want to opt out of emails?
What if parents want to opt out of emails?
Parents can unsubscribe using the link at the bottom of any Sparx Maths email. This won't affect their child's access to Sparx Maths.
How can parents best support their child?
How can parents best support their child?
Parents should:
Provide a quiet space for homework
Encourage students to attempt questions independently
Remind students to watch support videos when stuck
Ensure students write down their workings
Contact teachers if their child is consistently struggling
What if parents notice their child is spending too long on homework?
What if parents notice their child is spending too long on homework?
Advise parents to check their child is:
Writing answers in their book
Using the support videos when stuck
Free from distractions while working
Starting homework as early as possible after it has been set
How can I showcase Sparx Maths at Open Evenings?
How can I showcase Sparx Maths at Open Evenings?
We know Open Evenings are a great opportunity to show off all the amazing things you do in your department so here are a few ideas of how you could showcase Sparx Maths to prospective students and prospective or current parents:
Student demonstrations: Choose any of your keen Sparx Mathematicians to demonstrate Sparx Maths to prospective students
Printed Sparx Maths content: You could print one of our posters or our transition booklets to showcase the high-quality maths content offered by Sparx Maths homework
Videos: You could play one of our informative videos above to introduce prospective parents and students to Sparx Maths