IIF in Practice

See IIF in action. Discover inspiring stories from settings that have transformed their communities.

From after-school clubs to family workshops, practical initiatives are making a real difference.

Registering with IIF

Schools and other settings committed to improving family engagement can register with IIF. By completing a simple registration form, you are showing a commitment to enhancing family and community engagement.

Once registered, an assessor will work closely with the setting throughout the process.

Working towards Accreditation

The first step after registration is to audit the existing family and community engagement efforts. This audit helps identify key priorities for development, which may involve improving current activities or introducing new ones.

The audit has two parts:

• Website and Brochure Audit: Assess how family-friendly the setting appears to families visiting the website, reading brochures, or visiting the school
• Core Aims Assessment: Evaluate the setting’s strengths against each of the seven core aims and identify areas for improvement

Developing the Work Plan

Based on the identified priorities, the setting assigns team members to lead specific activities. They outline what needs to be done to enhance family and community engagement.

Taking the Work Forward

As each activity progresses, the setting maintains a diary of actions taken and their impact on family and community involvement. This documentation becomes part of the portfolio of evidence for accreditation.

Building the Portfolio

Once the setting completes the planned activities, they compile evidence into a portfolio, including:

• Proof of family-friendly practices from the website, improvement plan and brochures
• Documentation of activities undertaken (including written evidence, photographs and feedback from families and partner organisations)
• An outline action plan for the next three years

Submitting Evidence

When ready, the setting submits details of their activities to IIF. The assessor reviews the evidence and may seek further clarification if needed.

The Accreditation Visit

IIF arranges for a trained assessor to virtually visit the setting. During this visit, the assessor meets with various stakeholders, including the head teacher, staff, governing body, partner agencies, parents and children. The assessor provides informal feedback at the end of the visit.

Completing the Process

Following the visit, the assessor prepares the Assessor’s Report and submits it to IIF for quality assurance.

If the setting meets the accreditation standard, IIF informs them and sends the IIF certificate. The school can then proudly display the IIF quality mark logo in its communications.

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