When families start at your school, are they…
Confident?
Aligned to your school culture?
Connected with other families?
Clear on your communication platforms?
Trusting of your teachers and heads?
Excited about the journey ahead?
Supported in any questions or concerns they may have?
All of these are crucial to the ongoing experience of your parents and families. Why?
Studies in Psychological Science show that first impressions are incredibly sticky; once formed, they’re hard to change, even when future interactions reveal more accurate information (Willis & Todorov, 2006). Positive first impressions also create a “halo” effect, essentially priming people for loyalty, satisfaction, and ongoing trust—especially important in long-term customer relationships (Nisbett & Wilson, 1977).
If you’re more rationally inclined, there are clear economic arguments, too:
- Lifetime Value
Across 13 years, each family represents enormous monetary value to your school. Investing into the retention of a family is usually much cheaper than replacing one. - Transaction Costs/Cooperative Gains
When families and schools are aligned, you save time and resources by reducing friction, managing fewer conflicts, and creating more opportunities for positive growth. Just ask your school heads, they’ll know this first-hand.
But despite all this, I’m often surprised at how little time and thought goes into onboarding. It’s a missed opportunity, really. This one step can set the tone for the entire relationship families have with your school.
So, I thought I’d give you some inspiration; 42 ideas to improve your parent onboarding.
1. Parent handbook
Send parents a physical handbook of the most need-to-know things about your school. Include essential information such as term dates, bell times, uniform policies, and a school map to ensure new parents feel informed and welcomed. Include a section in the handbook addressing real questions from previous families.
2. Personalised welcome kit
Tailor welcome kits to individual families, including their child’s name and specifics about their assigned class or teacher. Focus the welcome kit on connection-building and personalisation.
3. Welcome sessions
Host casual meet-and-greet sessions with key staff and mentor families to help new parents build connections and feel a sense of belonging.
4. Community events
Organise casual social gatherings (picnics, BBQs are great) for new and current families to connect outside the ‘school context’.
5. Communications guide
Provide a quick reference to all school communication platforms (hopefully based out of a strong communications strategy) to keep parents informed and engaged with school updates.
6. School culture & values video series
Share stories, traditions, and learning which helps parents and families understand the school’s ethos and values. A video-medium is a great way for this to be self-guided.
7. Key contact information (who to contact and when)
Offer a reference list of key staff members with contact details to encourage parents to reach out for support with confidence.
8. Parent mentor program / buddy families
Pair new parents with experienced families to provide guidance and support during their transition.
9. Digital onboarding hub
Create a dedicated webpage or app section with essential resources and updates, allowing parents to access information at their own pace.
10. Social media group
Establish a closed group for new families to connect and share experiences. Keep the group moderated by a staff member.
11. Student and family spotlights
Highlight new families through short bios to help build connections and start conversations. This could be at a classroom-level.
12. Yearly calendar / important dates
Distribute an easy-to-follow calendar of key school dates to keep parents organised and informed. Bonus points for this being a live, digital calendar.
13. School app / technology training
Offer workshops or tutorials to help parents effectively use school apps and portals for accessing resources, communication, etc.
14. School traditions and celebrations
Inform parents about school traditions and events to encourage their participation and enhance community ties.
15. Frequently Asked Questions
Create a living FAQ document addressing common parent questions to ease the ‘starting school’ anxiety. Share this before a family starts!
16. Weekly “Welcome” coffee mornings
Organise informal coffee meet-ups for new parents to connect and share experiences with staff and other parents.
17. School tour
Parents might have attended a school tour during early in the enrolment journey, but bringing them back onsite for an in depth tour is a great onboarding option.
18. School Podcast for Parents
Launch a podcast featuring updates and tips to keep parents engaged with school life.
19. Business Directory / Community Notice Board
Create a directory board for families to encourage networking within the school community.
20. “Getting to Know You” family survey
Gather information on families’ interests and skills to facilitate involvement in school activities.
21. Accessibility / additional needs guide
Inform parents about available resources for children with additional needs, including contacts and services preferred by the school. You may also want to include information about very support options within the school.
22. Volunteer interest survey
Identify parents’ areas of interest for volunteering, from classroom support to event planning.
23. Monthly parent skill-building workshops
Host workshops on relevant topics to help parents navigate their own parent journey, such as navigating school life, supporting learning at home, or understanding child development.. A great opportunity to align these workshops to your schools’ ethos/values.
24. Invite to join P&C (early)
Introduce the P&C to new parents and encourage their involvement even before their first day.
25. “One month to go” email
Send a supportive email to check in with parents one month before their first day.
26. “Ask Me Anything” session with Principal
Host a live Q&A session for parents to engage directly with the principal /school leaders.
27. Support helpline for parents
Provide a dedicated contact for new parents needing assistance.
28. One-minute video updates
Share brief weekly video updates from key staff members to highlight school activities, events, and interesting happenings.
29. Welcome call from homeroom teacher
Make personal calls to new families to welcome them and establish a positive relationship from day one.
30. One-month in “How Are We Doing?” check-in
Formalise a ‘check-in’ for new families one month (or one term) in. You can include a survey to gather feedback on the experience to ensure continuous improvement.
31. School supply checklist and discounts
Provide a checklist and resources for affordable school supplies and uniforms.
32. Uniform swap shop
Create a space for parents to exchange uniforms.
33. Welcome gift bag
Send out a gift bag as soon as a family accepts a letter of offer with school merch and a ‘what-to-expect’ guide.
34. Special ‘Your First Term’ gift
For infants families to reflect on all the memorable moments from their first term.
35. Interactive online orientation
Develop a virtual orientation session where parents can learn about school policies, school building layout and meet staff members through live video.
36. New family orientation night
Host an evening event dedicated to explaining school culture, values, and expectations, giving parents a chance to meet one another.
37. Classroom volunteer opportunities
Provide opportunities for new parents to volunteer in classrooms early on to help them engage with the school community.
38. Cultural and language support
Offer resources and support for families from diverse backgrounds to help them integrate and feel included.
39. Interactive digital map
Develop an interactive map of the school that highlights key areas, facilities, and frequently visited locations.
40. Showcase student work
Highlight new students’ work in the school newsletter or social media to celebrate their learning.
41. Live parent resource library
Create a library of resources for parents covering educational topics, parenting tips, and community resources.
42. Local community directory
Offer a guide for re-locators highlighting local community services, recreational facilities, and family-friendly events to help new families feel integrated into the broader community.