Parents' Guide to Education Rights for Black & Minoritised Children

About this event

This is a public workshop hosted by Black South West Network, supporting Black Racially Minoritised parents to navigate education systems; facilitated by Margaret Simmons‑Bird MBE. This public workshop will support parents and carers of Black and Racially Minoritised children who want to better understand England and Wales’ education system and advocate confidently for their children.

Hosted by Black South West Network and facilitated by Margaret Simmons‑Bird MBE, the session demystifies school structures, roles, OFSTED, and decision‑making processes. Attendees will gain practical tips for engaging with schools, guidance on effective communication, and insights into parental rights and accountability.

Grounded in a racial justice lens, the workshop empowers families to navigate barriers, strengthen relationships with schools, and support better educational outcomes for their children.

This is part of a 3-part series focused on support parents of Black and Racially Minoritised students:

Workshop 1: On Rights and Navigating Systems with Margaret Simmons-Bird MBE (17th June 2026, 13.00 to 15.00 at the St Paul’s Learning Centre)

Workshop 2: On Safeguarding Policies and Complaints with Domini Choudhury (23rd September 2026, 13.00 to 15.00 at the St Paul’s Learning Centre)

Workshop 3: On Parent Self-Advocacy, Care, and Parent-School Engagement with Jasmine Tippett (18th of November 2026, 13.00 to 15.00 at the St Paul’s Learning Centre)

What will be covered:

This session will begin by clarifying key education structures, including the roles and responsibilities within schools, what OFSTED does (and does not do), and why contacting Headteachers or Senior Leaders can often feel difficult or inaccessible. By building this foundational understanding, parents can better navigate the system with confidence.

Recognising that parents of Black and Racially Minoritised students often feel unheard, the workshop will focus on practical, empowering strategies through a racial justice lens. Parents will be guided through:

• 6-10 tips for advocating for their children and contacting schools effectively
• Guidance on communication styles that help parents frame messages clearly, professionally, and constructively
• An introduction to foundational knowledge aobut school processes, decision-making, and accountability
• The importance of parent engagement within the school community, and how collaboration can support better outcomes for children.
• Education system structures in England & Wales, including school roles, responsibilities, and accountability
• Understanding OFSTED and school decision‑making, and why senior leaders can feel inaccessible
• Parental rights and how power operates within schools
• Practical strategies for advocating for Black and racially minoritised children
• Effective, confident communication and meaningful parent engagement with schools

Who is the event for?

• Parents and carers of Black and racially minoritised children
• Families who feel unsure about how the education system works
• Parents wanting to advocate more confidently for their child’s rights
• Those seeking practical guidance on engaging with schools and educators
• Parents who feel unheard or marginalised within school systems

Who will we hear from:

• Margaret Simmons‑Bird MBE – Education Consultant and Facilitator; Former Director of Education (Bath & North East Somerset Council)
• Japheth Monzon, Black South West Network – Host organisation supporting Black and Racially Minoritised communities across the South West

What else do I need to know?

• Workshop begins at 1.00 pm until 2.30 pm with questions to Margaret Simmons-Bird until 3.00 pm
• Parking is free for all users.
• The car park is located at the side and rear of the venue.
• Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot be booked in advance.
• There is/are 2 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.

Notice of Consent

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