Home and school are two key contexts in the lives and development of children and young people. Family involvement in school life bridges these two important settings. 

Research points to the strong association between increases in parental school involvement and increases in children’s social skills, decreases in problem behaviours, and improvements in academic achievement. 

When schools and families form intentional partnerships, everyone benefits. 

Home-school partnerships demonstrate conditions of mutual respect and collaboration. Children understand that they have consistent, wraparound support for their learning success; families feel engaged in their child’s education; educators feel supported; and opportunities for communication are opened. 

To facilitate these opportunities, strategies are needed to ensure that such involvement is valued, and any barriers are identified and addressed. 

Along with teaching children and young people to form positive food, health, wellbeing and sustainability skills for life, evaluation of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program indicates its effectiveness at encouraging family and community participation, especially for those who might otherwise be marginalised, including families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. 

The program acts as a hub for the greater school community, where social connection and cultural safety foster a sense of belonging. Families of all backgrounds have their skills and knowledge recognised and valued, all cultures are reflected and accepted at the school or service, and children, young people and their families are able to express their whole selves in safety. 

Join us to learn how the Kitchen Garden Program can become your school’s gateway to positive school-family partnerships.