Parent and School Policy
Rationale
A good school is not isolationist but sees itself as part of the wider community.
It views education as a partnership between home and school and works with
parents for the good of their children. It sees the neighbourhood as a resource
for learning and it actively contributes to the community.
Aims
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To create a welcoming atmosphere for everyone
To develop an atmosphere of mutual trust and understanding where
parents have confidence in the school and the school understands and
appreciates home circumstances
To support families in enabling their children to develop to their full
potential
To make parents aware of their importance in their child’s education by
establishing good lines of communication and encouraging involvement
in the school
To share with parents a child’s life at school and the wealth of pleasure
to be gained in facilitating children’s learning
To enable parents to recognise that they are a very important part of
the school community
To encourage links with the community as a whole and use all
resources available in the area
We achieve these aims by:
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Establishing and maintaining an open, welcoming whole school
atmosphere.
Determining a whole school approach to home/school liaison.
Recognising parents are in partnership with school staff in educating
their children.
Ensuring staff are accessible to parents for brief informal discussions
either before or after school. If this is not convenient, appointments are
made to ensure the parent is given enough time to discuss any issues
with the teacher.
Enabling easy access with clear directions so parents and visitors can
find their way about the school.
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Producing ‘Connect’ an information leaflet every Friday and ‘News Link’
each term.
Sending out curriculum summaries each term so parents know what
their children will be learning and the skills they will be developing.
Holding Parent/Teacher Consultation Evenings each term to discuss
their child’s progress
Organising an Open Day during the summer term to enable parents to
observe their child working in class and look at their work.
Writing annual school reports for each child.
Encouraging parents to support their children with their homework
tasks. .
Distributing a letter to all KS2 parents at the beginning of the academic
year explaining the amount of homework given by class teachers each
week and requiring parents to sign an acknowledgement slip.
Encouraging parents to help in classrooms, enabling children to
receive more adult support.
Writing a volunteer helpers information booklet to support them in
understanding the curriculum and ways in which they can help.
Inviting parents to help on school visits and activity days.
Providing a booklet for volunteer helpers to enable them to become
familiar with the school, the curriculum and ways in which they can be
of assistance.
Organising information evenings, curriculum workshops and social
events.
Inviting parents to view and discuss the ‘Growing Up’ video before the
upper KS2 pupils see it.
Writing curriculum guidance booklets for parents.
Establishing positive links with the community through visits and
inviting visitors into school.
Participating in village events e.g. Hayride Garden Party, sponsored
singing etc.
Encouraging parents to join the Friends of Walkington Primary School
Committee and support their events.
Asking parents to complete questionnaires about specifics areas e.g.
the Behaviour Policy, Parent / Teacher Consultation Evenings,
homework etc. and taking the results into consideration when
evaluating our practice.
Working with a group of parents when reviewing certain policies e.g.
Sex and Relationships, Physical Activities, Food.
Seeking their views on more general areas through the governors’
questionnaire, replying to individuals with personal, specific issues and
addressing any highlighted wider issues.
Being open to suggestions from parents and the community about
ways in which we can further develop communication and liaison.
Reviewed: May 2011
Next Review: 2014 or sooner if deemed necessary