TDA - The parent support adviser (PSA) project

Removing barriers to learning

Involving parents in their children's education can help remove barriers to learning, improve attitudes and behaviour and raise attainment.

About the PSA project

Funding for parent support adviser (PSA) posts and training support for PSA roles in school are provided by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) and the TDA respectively. Find out more about the PSA role.

A woman holding a baby looking at another woman

Induction and initial training

The TDA offers a training programme for PSAs covering local context, knowledge applicable to all children’s workforce practitioners and knowledge relevant to the PSA role in schools. Browse and download training materials.

Parent support qualifications

Two vocational level 3 training programmes offer valuable continuing professional development opportunities for PSAs and others in similar roles. Learn more about the qualifications and how they relate to the induction and initial training programme.

Resources

Resource kits
The PSA resource kits focus on lessons learned during the two-year pilot programme. Resource kit 2 includes a resource library on CD-ROM and video case studies on DVD.
PSA resource kit 1 | PSA resource kit 2

Publications
PSA practice and impact – summer 2009 (PDF 1.7 MB). Order a hard copy.
PSA functional map (PDF 35 KB). Order a hard copy.
PSA functional map: guidance and usage (PDF 2 MB)

Case studies
Discover how PSAs are supporting parents and providing access to learning opportunities

Video case studies
See how PSAs are supporting parents and families, and hear headteachers’ views on the impact of the PSA role

Frequently asked questions
Find out more about qualifications and training for parent support staff (PDF 61 KB)