How to Write an Effective Positive Note Home From School

We all like to feel that our successes are recognised by those around us, and the children and young people in our schools are no different. Whether it be an academic achievement or personal accomplishment, every student deserves to have their efforts acknowledged, both within and beyond the school gates.

When we share positive moments with parents and carers through sending notes home, everyone across the school community stands to benefit.

The benefits of sending positive notes home

Despite their relative simplicity, positive notes home can be surprisingly effective. Sometimes, parents and carers only expect ‘bad’ news when they hear from us at school, so it can be a welcome surprise to receive a positive note about something their child has said, done or been involved in.

Sending notes home can be a powerful tool for improving family engagement. It can foster strong, mutually supportive partnerships and demonstrate a genuine desire for positive connection between school and home. It also helps to build a shared understanding, allowing schools to share their expectations with families in a meaningful and engaging way.

Find out more about our Family Engagement Training.

For the students involved, knowing that their success – no matter what that might look like – has been noticed can boost feelings of self-confidence and self-esteem, helping them to feel valued by the adults around them. For some, this can be transformative in terms of how they feel about themselves and how they relate to others.

As for staff, when we intentionally focus on things that are going well, we can increase the likelihood of recurrence. For example, if we praise a child or young person for a particular behaviour and share that with their family members, they may be more likely to repeat it in the future.

Of course, we also need to be aware that not all students enjoy the attention that a positive note home may bring. Some may have complicated domestic situations that mean they do not want a note shared with family members. We always need to use our professional discretion and knowledge of the individual to do what is right for them.

Features of an effective positive note

Every school, staff member and student is different and as a result, the structure, content and tone of a positive note home can vary widely from school to school. However, there are certain elements that may be common to all.