About PEN
We are a community interest company specialising in supporting schools and settings to better engage parents, particularly from disadvantaged communities. We provide training and information for staff and parents, develop creative projects and sustainable resources, and network with other organisations to spread good practice.
Quick Links
Resources
You can find out about and purchase a range of resources through this website including the Playclub bags – with great activities to engage families in language and phonics.
Check out this video from Playclub 1. Parents can access the videos by clicking here or through the QR codes on the activity cards.
Latest News
- Oxford University‘s positive research findings on Engaging Parents Effectively
- PEN’s views on the research
- Find out about Acacias Primary School’s after school family learning events (discussed at the PEN network meeting)
- PEN is now part of the Lloyds Bank Social Entrepreneurs Programme – Trade Up North west
“Doing this work for many years the new research publication on the Sutton Trust website feels like a real breakthrough. It showed that it really is worthwhile reaching out to the parents who don’t normally get engaged and if supported and encouraged that they will do more at home, helping their children to thrive.“
Emma Beresford, Director PEN
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PEN Services
Testimonials
It has been a really enjoyable experience being part of the PEN project. It has been extremely beneficial to our school. We will continue to run it and develop it through the school.
Teacher, Whaley Thorns Primary School
Mouse Club project
Mouse Club was amazing, great fun and made Reception a memorable year. We loved taking part and will miss it in the future. Thank you for letting us take part.
Parent
Mouse Club project
The mouse became a trusted friend. Children really connected with this and the way they were able to use this to settle was invaluable.
Teacher, Birchfields Primary School
Mouse Club project
Very informative, good and to the point with lots of tips and strategies to help.
Andrew Collier, Lomeshaye Junior School
Managing Conflict
I learnt a lot about managing situations. Listening to other people’s situations and how they dealt with it was very useful.
Beth Peacock, Lily Lane Primary School
Managing Conflict
I have been very impressed by the uptake and the very positive outcomes from the project. This is exactly what we need – practical fun ways to engage parents in learning.
Headteacher, Newall Green Primary School
Nursery Home Learning Project
It helped me to understand how to help my son. I love all the activities. I would recommend them to all parents.
Parent, Newall Green Primary School
Nursery Home Learning Project
It has definitely improved children’s comprehension skills, and increased the amount parents are helping with reading.
Birchfields Primary School
Family Detective
The best thing was seeing the parents and children reading and solving problems together. It was a great hook for the boys!
Medlock Primary School
Family Detective
It was great and involved 50 out of 60 year 4 families.
Lily Lane Primary School
Family Detective Project
One mum found that her son who got bored quite often loved the activities and now loves numbers.
Newall Green Primary School
FUN Project
It's great to hear about new resources and schemes and share good practice!
Teacher, Chorlton Park Primary School
PEN Membership
The tip sheets are extremely useful - we have used them constantly
Teacher, Chorlton Park Primary School
Tip Sheets for Parents
It has helped his confidence and helped him to concentrate (he can’t sit down for more than a few minutes). They were all great activities. Our best had to be 'Get Active' and 'Shapes'. It helped me to understand how to help my son. I love all the activities, I would recommend them to all parents.
Parent, Newall Green Primary School
FUN Project
The response from Mouse Club has been amazing. It gave us more opportunity to begin to build relationships with parents and also answer any worries before they manifested! The mouse has been a fantastic tool and the children are already very attached to them. It has been reported that they have really enjoyed the activities.
Teacher, Hillside Primary School
Mouse Club Project
I have gained skills in engaging parents in an informal, non-threatening way. I will definitely take forward plans to run termly workshops in the future due to increased confidence.
Teacher, Hollingworth Primary School
Engaging Parents Effectively Project
I have enjoyed spending time with the parents and children and watching their confidence grow. I have loved how some parents in particular have been so proud of their work and have rushed in in the mornings to show me what they have done with their children.
Nursery Teaching Asssistant, Oasis Academy Harpur Mount
Engaging Parents Effectively Project
Mouse Club has been an excellent introduction into school life for my little boy. He was very nervous and anxious when I mentioned starting big school like his brother. Now he is happy, excited and can't wait. The activities were great and I enjoyed sharing quality time with my son, we especially loved the playdough making one! I wish this had been about for my eldest son who was also anxious when starting school, many thanks.
Saxmundham Primary
Mouse Club Project
I feel more welcome in school because they’ve done that. We’ve had conversations and there’s some kind of rapport – I feel listened to. I feel more confident around school and they want to work in partnership with me and not just as they wish. I’m taken notice of.
Parent, Argoed High School
Moving Up Project
Looking at the completed activities was invaluable in helping me get to know the child and their family.
Form tutor
Moving Up Project
It really helped to be able to sit down and talk about the changes that would be coming up.
Parent, Argoed High School
Moving Up Project
It has helped children prepare better and become ours faster. Pastorally I think it’s helped immensely.
Assistant Head, Byrchall High School
Moving Up Project
I have enjoyed taking part in the project and have learnt how important engaging parents in their child’s learning and awareness of expectations for their child to be ‘school ready’.
Whaley Thorns (Charlotte Roper)
General Engagement
I have enjoyed spending time with the parents and children and watching their confidence grow. I have loved how some parents in particular have been so proud of their work and have rushed in in the mornings to show me what they have done with their children.
Harpur Mount - EF/ST project
General Engagement
I learnt how to use the ideas and bags in everyday life as well as incorporating bags into the home environment i.e bathtime, bedtime, playtime. It makes us realise that all learning is fun. We can’t wait to fish ducks out of the bath, buy a currant bun or go on a bear hunt through the local park. Thank you for introducing us to Playclub and all the new adventures we will share.
Parent at Hollingworth Primary School
Playclub Project
Even the most challenging of our parents are willing to participate if the appropriate support and activities are in place. I will definitely be taking the whole idea of the project forward next year.
Teacher, Sharley Park, Reception Home Learning Project
General Engagement
The tip sheets taught me many things I was unaware of ..e.g screen time.
Parent, Birchfields Primary School
Tip Sheets for Parents
We had parents who have never really engaged with the school, and this got them involved.
Cheetwood Primary School
Family Detective
Its really useful to network and find out about other agencies.
PSA, Kingsway Community Trust
PEN Membership
Fantastic, practical resources!
EYFS teacher, Rack House Primary School
Mouse Club Project
Going to PEN meetings always inspires me and motivates me!
PSA, Newall Green Primary School
PEN Membership
Brought up Mum's confidence to deal with issues, especially toilet training.
Teacher, Deepdale Primary School
Tip Sheets for Parents
He could hardly count at all before but he loved making me do star jumps. Now he can count to 10 - its amazing! We had such a lot of fun.
Parent, Romiley Primary School
FUN Project
I have got more confidence in working with parents, particularly in approaching them and speaking and advising them with how they can help their children at home.
Teacher, Rackhouse Primary School
Nursery Home Learning Project
A’s dad now stays in the mornings and engages in number activities which he didn’t do before.
Claremont Primary School
FUN Project
The parental engagement has been absolutely wonderful.
Pikes Lane Primary School
Family Detective
Thank you for introducing us to Playclub and all the new adventures we will share.
Parent, Hollingworth Primary School
Playclub Project
It makes us realise that all learning is fun. We can’t wait to fish ducks out of the bath, buy a currant bun or go on a bear hunt through the local park.
Parent, Hollingworth Primary School
Playclub Project
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