At Yorkley we value good two way communication between home and school. At the start of the school day a member of staff is always available at the junior gate. We offer drop-ins after school with all teachers and the School SENCo (Mrs Creber) or Nurture Teacher (Mrs Phillips) offer coffee sessions when requested. Throughout the term parents are invited in to several theme days/events (Fitness day, Harvest assembly, Internet Safety, Science, Maths, English days…) as well as class assemblies, sports days and parents evenings.
Children benefit from being supported by a positive relationship in their work, behaviour and play. It is important that we get this right from the start and, as a result, we have a comprehensive induction for new Reception children. Staff also get to meet parents 1-1 within the first 2 weeks.
Once in school the progress made by pupils in all areas of the curriculum is a matter of concern to parents and teachers. Parents are encouraged to take an active interest in their child’s work. At the beginning of each term we will share on the school website a topic plan which shows the topics/themes that your child will be studying. Consultation evenings are held in the autumn and spring terms. An interim report is sent out in spring and then a full report in the summer term which details each child’s progress in all areas of the curriculum. If you have a concern at any point in the school year, please do not wait for the next parents’ evening; we would rather you arranged to see the teacher as soon as possible. In turn we will do the same if something is concerning us.
Keeping parents informed and celebrating our news is important. Regular newsletters are sent out every other Friday and are also available on the website to download. Where only one letter is needed per family, letters go out with the oldest child.
As well as the general invitation to discuss issues with school, parents are regularly given the opportunity to feedback to school in a variety of ways, including:
- Governor’s ‘drop-in’ surgeries every Friday 2.45-3.15.
- Questionnaires
- Review sessions on topics
- Parent View online
Adult helpers are always welcome in school. We regularly need people to do a variety of jobs from hearing readers, helping with art and supporting visits, but we also welcome help with practical tasks like library work, display and resource making. The Parents and Teachers’ Association is very active at Yorkley. They offer invaluable support and strive to offer a mix of social and fundraising events. All parents are welcome to support their work.
Complaints Procedure
We hope that the way we work with parents reduces the cause for complaint, but, inevitably an occasion may arise. Please adhere to the following sequential procedure until the matter is resolved. A more detailed copy of the procedure is available from the school office – please ask for it if required. If a parent is not satisfied by the time they see the Head or Deputy, then they will automatically be given a copy of it.
- Request an appointment to talk with the class teacher
- Request an appointment with the Head/Deputy Head
- Written complaint to the Chair of Governors – complaints appeal panel may be set up
- Governors will contact the school – respond accordingly
- Written complaint to the Local Authority.
