IT IS not just teachers who are helping children in Bolton to do well in class - parents are too.

A new leaflet published by the National Association of Head Teachers and the Family Action Charity is being sent to schools to pass on to parents to urge mums and dads to get involved.

The guide says that parents should come up with educational activities for youngsters.

Headteachers in Bolton say parental involvement in their child’s education has a huge impact on their achievements.

Blackrod Church School held its annual learning conference to show parents how they could make a difference, while children enjoyed a pyjama party.

Headteacher James Royal said: “Our learning conference for parents this year was called ‘Precious Moments’ to encourage parents to feel that they could make a real difference to their child’s education without needing to know lots of fancy teaching tricks.

“We wanted to give parents ideas about how they could make the most of the time they had with their children in today’s busy lives.”

The hall was transformed into a market hall with tables about high schools, local authority services and those available in town, as well as school meals and other school-related topics.

Workshops and drop-in sessions were held in classrooms for parents to find out about ideas for fun learning activities for younger children.

Mr Royal said: “These included encouraging children to write for real at home, and ways to motivate your child.

“More than 100 parents attended and that was close to our target of at least one parent per household.”

He added: “We managed to encourage the parents to come by having a PJ party, with a film, hot chocolate and popcorn so parents could come if they had no childcare. That worked a treat.”

Parents gave the event top marks.

Zadee Chambers-Swords said: “It is vital that parents play as active a part in their child's education as possible.”

He husband Malcolm added: “This event was really informative and provided some fabulous ideas.”

Jane Purdham said: “These are our children and it’s not just the school that should educate them.”

Fellow parent Judy Baird said: “I can’t think of a better way to work together with school and to help my children.

“The staff were so helpful and thoughtful.”

Devonshire Road Primary School in Heaton often puts on sessions in which parents can help their children and has recently been recognised with the Leading Parent Partnership Award for its work.

Not only do parents work together with their children on projects in special creative sessions, but parents can also find out how to best help their children while at home.

Through this link some parents have gone on to improve their own skills.

Pam Barnes, headteacher at Devonshire Road Primary School, said: “Parents are the first educators of children, and it is essential we work together for the best outcomes for children. The children enjoy it when parents come in.”