Family engagement to tackle the challenges of isolated schools

For many years public policy, and in particular education policy, has focused on the needs of communities in cities, while the needs of those living in rural and coastal areas have too often been overlooked.

We have seen the impact that sustained and targeted political will has in the vast improvements of London schools in recent years. We now need to ensure that every child, no matter where they grow up, has the same opportunities as those who are fortunate to live in the capital.

The recent Combatting Isolation in Coastal Schools report from the Future Leaders Trust highlighted a number of challenges facing schools in coastal communities. These included educational isolation, difficulties in recruitment, poor quality of teaching and difficulties engaging students and families. In this article, we look at this final point of engagement to see what some of the barriers are.