Conflict between parents is a normal part of relationships. However, when the conflict is frequent, intense and poorly resolved, it puts children’s mental health, education attainment and long-term outcomes at risk. 

As a consequence, parental conflict may impact on school effectiveness, by leading to disruption in the classroom, increased pressures and costs, and poorer academic results.

Anyone working with children, young people and families, including those working in schools, can have an impact on improving outcomes for children exposed to destructive parental conflict.

This briefing sets out opportunities to intervene for teachers and teaching assistants; head teachers, school leaders and governors; staff in welfare roles, and specialist support staff. 

Find out more about how to take action, including accessing evidence on effective interventions, guidance on promoting social & emotional learning in schools, free training and support, the national Reducing Parental Conflict programme, and personal stories from three local areas.