Our aim is to provide a caring Christian environment where everyone is special. We all work to ensure that children are happy, safe and secure. We create a stimulating environment where all children can achieve their full potential. We aim to develop the children socially, morally, spiritually and culturally by promoting attitudes of mutual respect and responsibility.

Implications from the results

The majority of parents agree that

• Their children like school and are making good progress
• Behaviour in school is good
• The teaching is good and that teachers expect children to work hard and achieve their best
• The school helps their child to be a mature, responsible member of the community
• The school environment and premises are attractive and well kept
• The office staff are polite and helpful

The areas where parents are more divided in their views are with regard to

• Homework
• Information regarding their children’s progress
• Approaching school
• How the school works with parents
• Activities outside of lessons

Implications

Homework

Homework is difficult to address as there will always be divided opinion about the amounts of work that should be given, form people who believe there should be no work done at home for Primary aged children to those who believe work should be given every night. At St Mary’s we strive to give an amount that we think is suitable to the age of the children whilst being flexible, taking the amount of work the children have done in the classroom. We do encourage parents to read and go over the multiplication tables regularly, which are activities that contribute to homework.

Information regarding children’s progress

We have three parents meetings per year, however we are always prepared to meet with parents to discuss any matter of concern. The teachers are usually available from 8:45 to 8:55 for quick, everyday matters. All we ask is that parents come to the school office so that the teacher can be contacted.

We have also had awareness meetings for parents for special initiatives. These have generally not been well attended. We would like to know what a suitable time to hold these meetings would be and for what areas parents would like more information.

We have introduced a home / school contact book which we hope will help improve the question of information and communication between parents and school and the school website (www.st-marysschool.co.uk) is up and running which should improve the situation.

The school regularly sends out “DESPATCH” newsletters and also posts them on the website and the half termly topic planner for parents has been reintroduced.

Approaching School

We try to foster an “open door” policy for wherever possible, however sometimes it is not convenient for teachers or myself to meet immediately with parents. In such cases we will always be willing to make an appointment to meet at a time convenient to both parties. As mentioned parents can usually meet teachers between 8:45 and 8:55 am or immediately after afternoon school for day-to-day matters. We ask parents to come to the school office to ask for the teacher concerned.

How the school works with parents

We are constantly looking to improve the way we work with parents. At present we have an established “Friends of St Mary’s” group that works with school to fund raise and offer activities for children and parents alike. We have parents who come into school to help within the classroom and would always invite others to come in. The school grounds are open for parents and children to use after hours.

On a more administrative level we always involve parents when compiling Individual Educational Plans and keep in contact with parents through the home / school contact book and the reading record and we invite parents to comment on the homework set. We administer medicines for children as long as parents complete the required form (available from the school office or the website) and keep hold of children if parents are held up at the end of the day etc. However if you feel we could improve we would like to hear from you.