Parent hub opens at Portsmouth primary school to boost family engagement and support

ExCo

The hub, based at Meon Junior School on Shelford Road in Milton, was launched on Tuesday, November 18 to strengthen the home-school connection and ensure every family feels supported, informed, and welcomed into school life.

The space will be open for families belonging to Moorings Way Infant School, Meon Infant School, and Meon Junior School every morning from 08:30 to 09:00 during the drop-off time with members of the team available to speak to.

There will also be bookable slots to discuss with school leaders ideas and initiatives or any concerns that arise through parent voice.

Led by Rachel Thripp, Assistant Headteacher and the Inclusion Lead at Meon Way, in collaboration with the school’s office and leadership teams, the Parent Hub is already making a difference.

The launch event was filled with warmth, conversation, and a shared sense of community as families explored the new space and met the teams ready to support them.

“This has been a real team effort,” said Mrs Thripp.

“We’ve worked hard over the past few months to bring the vision to life. It’s all about giving parents a place to feel heard, supported and connected. Already, we’ve had great feedback – families are telling us how pleased they are to have a space that’s truly for them.”

The Hub includes curated information points on key topics including safeguarding, Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND), mental health, sleep, diet, attendance, and local parenting services – with the support of the local authority’s parenting team also available.

More than just an information zone, the Parent Hub reflects Meon Way Federation’s commitment to putting families at the heart of the school experience.

It offers a welcoming environment where concerns can be shared, questions asked, and support accessed easily and informally.

“At Meon Way Federation, we know that strong partnerships between home and school help every child thrive,” Mrs Thripp added. “Sometimes, just having someone to talk to makes all the difference. We’re here, the kettle’s on, and we’re ready to help.”

A parent at the launch, who did not wish to be named, praised the school for the opening of the new space for families.

They said: “It’s such a lovely idea, just knowing there’s a space where we can pop in, ask questions, or talk things through makes a big difference. It already feels like a real part of the school, not just for the children but for us as parents too.”

The initiative aligns with Thinking Schools Academy Trust’s mission to Transform Life Chances by strengthening the connections between families, schools and communities.

It champions pupil wellbeing and positive parental engagement, which the school believes are essential foundations for educational success.