Dads’ Groups Improve School Community

Men, they can be a shy bunch and there are certain things blokes are hesitant to do, like dancing or going to their kids’ school.

School often falls under the heading of secret women’s business and the blokes tend to stay away, but research confirms that it’s better if they are involved. One way to get them through the school gates is by creating dads’ groups.

A study into the impact of school-based dads’ groups has shown that peer-support programs have a positive influence on the wellbeing of children, their fathers and the community. The research was published in the Health Promotion Journal of Australia.

Engaged, positive fathering significantly improves children’s outcomes from academic performance and resilience to mental health and relationships and
The Fathering Project has been working to get dads groups up and running and fathers in and amongst the school environment where most kids spend a lot of their time.

“We’re seeing a growing recognition of the vital role fathers and father figures play in children’s educational and emotional development. Schools are increasingly looking for ways to engage dads, not just at drop-off and pick-up, but in meaningful school-based activities that strengthen the connection between dads, their kids, and the school community,” Kati Gapaillard, CEO, The Fathering Project (TFP) says.

There's also a trend towards schools embracing parent-led wellbeing initiatives - especially those that boost belonging, inclusion, and student confidence. When dads feel welcomed and involved, their children thrive and so do school communities.

“We saw that many dads wanted to be more involved, but didn’t always know how, or felt unsure about their place in the school environment. Schools are often seen as a ‘mothers’ territory. So, we created a simple, inclusive model that helps schools communicate with fathers and encourages them to be more involved in their child’s education. We offer practical tools, structure, and activities to help them build stronger connections with their children and with each other.

“We know schools are incredibly busy, teachers are overloaded, but many schools are still always looking for ways to connect and strengthen their school-family partnership.

“Schools see the benefit of creating a space that is engaging and inclusive, especially when it comes to father involvement. In doing so, the children feel valued, that they matter - the adults in their life (teachers) care about their home-life too,” Gapaillard says.

The program works with dads to set up a School Dads Group in combination with running dads and kids activities and providing the evidence and resources to facilitate engagement. 

Some dads and kids activities that schools offer include pizza and paper planes afternoons, camp outs on the school oval and dads-only get togethers, while some groups also host parent education sessions. Each group is led by volunteers, supported by a dedicated team from The Fathering Project. The model is flexible and can be adapted to each school’s unique community, with activities typically running during school terms.

“We consistently hear that the program has helped dads feel more connected - to their kids, to the school, and to each other. Many say it’s given them ‘permission’ to show up in new ways as a parent. Mum is usually the ‘go-to’ and first point of contact. We have schools who have shifted this mentality and see dad is a ‘primary’ caregiver too.

“We’ve also seen dramatic shifts in school culture, where dads who were once disengaged now feel a sense of community. The standout impact is how it strengthens the parent-child bond - kids love the one-on-one time, and it shows in their confidence and behaviour. Their face lights up when they see their dad or father figure walk into the school grounds for the dads and kids activities,” Gapaillard says.

Many mums say the program has encouraged dads to take a more active role, not only at school but at home.

“In some cases, mums have even prompted their partners to get involved - and it’s created a ripple effect, with mums forming their own informal support groups too.”

Teachers often report improved student behaviour, attendance, engagement, and generally improved wellbeing.

Presently, there are 253 School Dads’ Groups facilitated by TFP in 25 schools around the country.

Gosnells Primary School, in Perth, is one school participating in the Dads Group program and has witnessed profound change since its involvement with TFP since 2018.

Principal Scott Tapper said it had provided the school community with a great opportunity to show that dads matter too - and that schools are willing to make space for their involvement. 

“We’re seeing more conscious communication now. We make sure both mums and dads get the same messages, the same opportunities, the same support,” he said.

“It’s changed the culture here. You can feel it. When the dads walk through the gates and surprise their kids, the look on those children’s faces - it’s priceless.”

Here’s what some of the fathers involved in the study said about the experience of a School Dads’ Group:

“The Fathering Project was just a unique thing to give directly back to the school and then hopefully engage dads a bit more because I was doing the pickups and drop-offs, but I was one of the few dads there.” - Jim

“I see it as a way to connect dads, dads with the school and dads with their kids. We've had a few get-togethers, and that's what I always say: why we do what we do is those three things - connect through school, kids and each other.” - Darren

“I think the group just gives you a connection with your child. I'm lucky and I'm thankful of how much involvement I have with my kids. But if you're not there and actively involved and available, they can't come to you when they run into troubles in life and when things go wrong. The only way they can feel comfortable talking to you is by having a connection with them. Doing events and having special moments, serves as a reminder to connect.” - Tim