Parents would prefer greater school access

Less than one in five parents think that the traditional parents' evening at school is the best way of communicating with teachers. The results come from research commissioned by the Department for Children, Schools and Families. They spoke to 5000 parents to get their opinions on parental involvement in school issues.

Just half of those parents interviewed felt very involved in their children's school lives and many cited their own working hours as part of the problem. 65% said they'd like to be more involved.

The Children's Secretary Ed Balls told The Guardian: ' We know parents are increasingly involved in their child's education - and want to do even more. But for many it's a difficult balancing act to juggle work, childcare and quality family time and still be able to help their children with homework and keep track of how their child is doing at school.

"Parents tell us they like having informal contact with their child's school - whether that's a chat in the playground or the chance to go online and see their teenager's latest marks and make sure they are going to all their classes."

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