Parent Partnership policy
As Holy Family we learn, believe and seek to make the right choices as God's children.
The Aims of our Parent Partnership Policy:
- To communicate fully with parents to ensure that we all (parents, children, staff) have the same purpose in mind – the needs, development and progress of the children.
- To involve parents fully in school life and the school community.
- To operate a policy that encourages the fullest possible two-way communication between staff and parents.
- To work in close co-operation with parents in order to ensure high standards of care and academic achievement for all of our children.
- To provide an environment inclusive for all parents and their children, regardless of need, background or culture.
A welcoming and friendly environment for parents, carers and visitors:
Parents are welcomed into the school at mutually convenient times to learn more about their children’s progress and to celebrate their successes. There are numerous opportunities throughout the year (both formal and informal) to meet together and get to know each other.
Formal
- Induction meetings for parents of children starting their school life at Holy Family.
- Open Mornings/Afternoons each term to provide parents with up-to-date information on their children’s progress and set targets.
- SEND-Letters to parents to inform them of their child’s progress and a copy of IEP given
- Yearly reviews of children with Education Health Care Plans
- Individual meetings with a range of staff e.g. learning mentors, head teacher, class teacher as appropriate to provide support and address any areas of concern.
- Celebration Mass.
Informal
- Weekly class assemblies.
- Christmas and Summer Fayre’s at St. James’ Church.
- Parents accompanying children on educational visits.
- Parents attending half termly open mornings to look at the learning taking place in their child’s classroom.
Communication systems:
Currently, parents receive regular updates from the school including:
- Regular newsletters and information letters
- Annual Progress Reports at the end of the year
- Regularly updated website
- Home School Agreement
- Text messaging service
- School questionnaires for parents regarding secular and religious provision provided
Opportunities and support for parents:
The school seeks to ensure all groups of parents/carers connected with the school are aware of training and enrichment opportunities available in the school and in the community, by:
- Offering a wide range of parent workshops to support learning.
- Signposting parents to adult learning courses in other venues, e.g local children’s centres.
- Offering leaflets and guidance on specific areas of the curriculum, e.g. reading to enable parents to support children at home.
- Place 2 Be.
- Speech and Language Therapist within school.
- Supporting attendance.
EXTENDED SCHOOL PROVISION:
- After school clubs to support curriculum development and pupil engagement (Science/Art/Home Learning/Music/Reading)
- After-school clubs (Gardening/Football/Netball/Dance).
- Holiday activities (Football Clubs).
Policies:
We seek to ensure that all relevant school policies are effective and easy to read by parents. Key policies are available on our website and we are able to support parents, by providing hard copies of policies and discussing policies with parents if they would like further information. We can also provide policies in community languages.
Transition:
We aim to provide support and resources to help parents make informed decisions about choices and transitions to our school and High School. See separate transition policy.
Home/School Partnership:
We believe that a strong home/school partnership is key to children’s emotional development, progress and growth as part of the community. We encourage parents to support their children’s learning at home in a variety of ways, including:
- jointly signing the Home/School agreement
- reading with children as often as possible
- visiting the library together
- encouraging children to complete and return promptly any homework learning they have been given
- Talking with the teacher if they have any concerns regarding their children’s learning or behaviour at school or at home
Parental Feedback:
The school will regularly seek parental views on a range of topics affecting pupils' education through questionnaires, surveys and verbal discussion. Feedback is valued, and responses are seriously considered and appropriate action taken and posted on the school website.
