At The School & Family Works, measuring our impact is a priority.

Through regular feedback from families, schools, and independent evaluators, we make sure that our work is truly helping children, strengthening families, and building stronger school communities.

Continuous learning and improvement are at the heart of our work.

Impact at a Glance

✅ 86–90% of parents are still connected to school-based support networks two years after completing the programme
✅ Children’s behavioural issues significantly reduced, according to school reports
✅ Improved academic achievement for children involved
✅ Reduced family conflict at home and improved emotional wellbeing for children
✅ Parents report improved relationships with their children and stronger bonds as a family

 

Independent Research Confirms Our Impact

1. Impact Evaluation by Dr Amy Smail and Jonathan Schulte June 2025

Our most recent independent evaluation took place in the 2024-25 academic year and captured the voices of over 100 children, parents, carers, and school staff to understand the true impact of our work. The findings were powerful and deeply moving:

  • 100% of children reported positive emotional change, including feeling safer, calmer, and more confident.

  • Over 90% of participating families experienced stronger parent-child relationships and improved family wellbeing.

  • Children showed improved emotional regulation, reduced anxiety, and increased self-esteem, critical foundations for learning.

  • Significant gains in classroom behaviour: students became more focused, motivated, and re-engaged with school life.

  • Academic resilience is rising: children not only attend more consistently but are thriving.

  • Family Group fosters stronger school relationships: Parents feel connected and supported; schools report better engagement and collaboration.

  • A ripple effect: whole communities are benefiting building trust, resilience, and aspirations that last far beyond the group sessions.

 

2. Independent Evaluation by Moira Forrester

Further independent research conducted by Moira Forrester in 2016-17 provided rich insights into Family Group’s deeper impact on family life:

  • Strengthened Parenting Skills: Parents reported feeling more confident and supported in their parenting, which helped strengthen their children’s relationships, emotional wellbeing, and progress at school.
  • Sustained Positive Change: Around 8 in 10 children and 6 in 10 parents maintained positive changes after the programme, equipping them to better manage future challenges like school transitions.
  • Strengthened Relationships: Parents and children rebuilt emotional connections, while home-school relationships deepened through shared goals and linked targets.
  • Emotional Growth: Children and parents experienced increased confidence, happiness, and emotional resilience.
  • Positive Parent Experience: Families valued the flexible, welcoming atmosphere, creative resources, and the opportunity to connect with other parents in a non-judgmental, supportive environment.

Moira Forrester’s research highlights the strength of Family Groups’ co-productive, school-based approach, where therapists, schools, and families work together to achieve lasting, positive change.

 

3. Dr Mary Richardson's Evaluation

Dr Mary Richardson conducted detailed case studies on our Family Groups in 2014. Her findings were overwhelmingly positive, not just in terms of how children benefited, but also in identifying key wider impacts:

  • Building Stronger School Communities - Family Group helps to create a more cohesive school community. By working closely with parents, we encourage stronger relationships between families and schools and greater parental involvement in school life.
  •  Empowering Parents to Make Change - Dr Richardson also highlighted how Family Groups provide families with more than just support—they offer scope for real understanding, reflection, and action. This empowerment means families leave our groups with the skills and confidence to make lasting, positive changes in their lives.

“Participants know they can make positive changes; that element is vital.” – Dr Mary Richardson

 

Independent Evaluation by OPM - 2010-2012

A three year evaluation by the Office for Public Management (OPM), commissioned by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, reinforced the wider benefits of Family Group:

  • Greater parental confidence and reduced family stress
  • Positive changes spreading to the wider community as parents share their learning with others
  • Improved attendance and fewer exclusions for many children
  • Schools embedding Family Group principles into their cultures, leading to more supportive environments for all families