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Why and how we engage parents with Sparx Reader

Learn why it's important that parents are engaged with their children's reading and how Sparx Reader supports the process.

Updated over 2 weeks ago

Parents and carers play a crucial role in supporting their children's reading development. This article explains why we engage parents with Sparx Reader and provides guidance on how to effectively communicate with and support parents.

Why we engage parents

Parental engagement significantly impacts homework completion rates and helps reduce teacher workload. When parents understand and support Sparx Reader:

  • Students are more likely to complete their reading homework regularly

  • Parents can provide appropriate support and encouragement at home

  • Teachers receive fewer queries as parents better understand the system

  • Students benefit from a supportive reading environment both at school and home

How we communicate with parents


Welcome email

Once students have chosen their first book from the library, parents automatically receive a welcome email that:

  • Provides an overview of Sparx Reader

  • Explains how to access the parent portal

  • Outlines the homework completion data they'll receive weekly

Weekly email

Parents and carers receive a single weekly email from Sparx with information about the Sparx system(s) their child uses. This email is sent 3 days before the Sparx Maths completion day.

Reader-Only schools' weekly emails are sent on a Wednesday.

Parents can click the link in the email to access Parent Portal which has more detailed information about the homework.

Book completion email

Each time their child completes an e-book on Sparx Reader, we email their parents or carers a celebratory email. This shows them some information about the book, including how many points they've earned, and suggesting some questions to try and prompt some discussion about their reading. There is also a button to 'see more of X's progress on Parent Portal'.

How you can engage parents effectively


Initial communication

Send clear information at the start of using Sparx Reader:

  1. Use our template letters (available in printable or email formats)

  2. Explain why reading homework is important

  3. Highlight how Sparx Reader personalises books to their child's level

  4. Emphasise the positive impact on learning outcomes

  5. Direct parents to our dedicated webpage - A parent's guide to Sparx Reader

Face-to-face engagement

Organise information sessions:

  • Run an assembly, parents evening or Year 6 transition event

  • Set up information stands at school events to showcase the impact of Sparx Reader on student outcomes

  • Use our prepared presentation slides to support these sessions

Regular updates and recognition

Create a rewards system that involves parents and encourages them to support their child in completing their homework.

Share information such as:

  • School newsletters featuring Sparx Reader updates

  • Social media posts celebrating reading achievements

  • Phone calls home for good performance

  • Recognition of student success in school communications

  • Award certificates

Supporting parents

Provide clear guidance to help parents understand:

  • What support is available in school (homework clubs, library access)

  • How books are personalized to their child's reading level

  • That students can swap books if they're struggling

  • Reading can be completed in multiple sessions

Address common concerns by being proacitve in explaining:


Frequently asked questions


How do I turn on parent emails?

Please visit our article on Adding parent emails for more information.

How can parents access homework information?

Parents can click the link in their weekly email to access the parent portal. Each link is unique and expires after 21 days.

What should parents do if they don't receive emails?

Ask them to check their spam folder first. If emails aren't arriving, they should contact the school to verify their email address is correctly recorded in the school system.

How can parents best support their child's reading?

We recommend parents:

  • Provide a quiet space for reading

  • Show interest in their child's books

  • Discuss their reading regularly

  • Celebrate their achievements

  • Encourage regular completion of homework

Do parents need to monitor their child's reading?

While parents can track progress through the portal, teachers monitor reading completion and accuracy. Parents should focus on encouraging regular reading habits and maintaining a supportive environment.

Do you send a book completion email for Gold Reader books?

No, we don't currently send this for Gold Reader books.

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