Whole School Communication

What we believe

Communication is the key to any success relationship and as our relationship with parents and carers is an essential part of school life, effective communication is a priority in the smooth running of the school. We accept that communication styles may differ from person to person, so what is important is to ensure that all communication between us is founded on our school values of: respect, honesty, trust, positivity and co-operation.

What we expect

We will always speak and communicate with parents and carers in a respectful manner and tone and in return, expect parents and carers to speak and communicate with courtesy and respect. At times, there may be challenging conversations to be had, or difficult messages to deliver, but we are committed to open and honest dialogue with the singular intention of doing what is best for your child and for the care, consideration and respect of others. This open and honest dialogue can only happen where there is trust. Our school ethos is built on being stronger together, which is why positivity and co-operation are essential elements of effective communication. We endeavour to work in partnership with you in order to find solutions when things go wrong and ask that you are always willing to listen and to consider the wider school context when we are seeking resolution. By working in this way together, we can develop a true partnership between home and school.

Where parents and carers feel that our communication policy has not been followed, then they are entitled to make a complaint to the school, by following the school complaints procedure. This can be found on our school website. Where school feels that there has been inappropriate communication, or behaviour by a parent, then the following actions may be put in place:

· A verbal/written warning to the parent about their behaviour / language

· Any future meetings/discussions will be conducted with more than one member of the school staff  

   so as not to compromise a lone member of staff

In more severe cases the school will put stricter restrictions in place whereby:

· Access into school will be pre-arranged and agreed in advance by both parties

· A single point of contact within school through whom all communications should be directed will be

  put in place

The school does have the right to refuse access from the school site to anyone if they are deemed to be a threat to the safeguarding of any members of the school community, including students and staff. (DfE Guidance 2012, “Advice on School Security: Access to and barring of individuals from school premises”). In this case a formal letter will be issued giving full details of when the ban begins and might end. The decision to refuse access would be agreed and reviewed by a representative of the Governing Body.

How we share information and communicate

We have various internet facilities to assist and support parents. Our school website contains a wealth of information about key dates, school polices, the curriculum, clubs and activities, special educational needs, performance outcomes, as well as governor information and a section where you can download relevant school forms. Our Facebook page has day to day information, news items, as well as achievements, awards and much more.  You can find us on: www.dickens-heath.solihull.sch.uk.

Class Dojo – Throughout all other year groups we have an electronic messaging system called ‘Dojo’. Parents will be provided with log in details in order to access their accounts. This allows communication to teachers between 8am and 5pm, but please be mindful that teachers are teaching during the school day and may not be able to respond immediately. This communication system is for exchanging brief messages about learning, homework, wellbeing, changes to circumstances at home, or to make a face to face appointment with your child’s teacher, where there needs more time and discussion. Please ensure that any messages regarding school absence, or collection arrangements for appointments go directly through the school office.

Staff members are not expected to respond to messages and emails outside of the school working day. Some staff may respond before 8:00am, or after 5pm, but this is personal choice and not part of school policy. If you experience any difficulties with communication with your child’s class teacher, please contact the school office and messages will be delivered for you.

Whole School Dojo- The Whole School Dojo page will be used for important reminders, updates and news feeds about key events, as and when they occur.

Green Message Forms – these are available in the front entrance outside the main office and may be used to deliver urgent messages to members of staff in school.

Emails and phone calls-we endeavour to respond to emails and phone calls in a timely manner. Parents and carers can expect an acknowledgement of an email or phone call within 1 working day and a response within 5 working days. In exceptional cases, where further information, or a thorough investigation is required, a 10 working day limit is applicable. If this is the case then a holding communication will be made.

Newsletters and day to day correspondence-we are striving to achieve paperless communication between school and home and ask that all parents sign up to the Parent Pay email system. For parents living in separate households, we will require both email addresses and accounts to be set up, unless you have a private arrangement for sharing information between you. Please note, it is your responsibility as parents to make this arrangement with the school in advance. Whole school newsletters will be sent electronically, at least twice during each half term.

Trips, visits and reply slips-any correspondence requiring parents to complete and return reply slips will be sent home as a hard copy in your child’s school bag.