Exploring the experiences of recently arrived Latin American migrant parents regarding their children’s education

This study explored the experiences of recently arrived Latin American parents to the UK related to their children’s education, to highlight how these experiences can inform educational practice. A small-scale qualitative design employed semi-structured interviews to give voice to five parents who had each arrived in London after time spent living in Spain. Thematic analysis led to four key themes: ambition, sacrifice and the high value placed on education; language difficulties; feelings of powerlessness; and cultural adaptation. The implications emerging from this study centre on how educational psychologists (EPs) can act as a bridge between schools and a local migrant community by drawing on their knowledge of both second language development and the psychological experience of migration. There is also a role for EPs in advocating for the practical needs of recently arrived parents and responding to power imbalances to ensure their inclusion within the school community.