At St James’ we know that parental engagement has a large and positive impact on children’s learning and we aim to work with parents so that they feel empowered to play their part in helping their children to reach their full potential. At the Class Briefings, at Parent Meetings and at Parent Workshops teachers explain how to support learning at home. At ‘Goal Sharing Day’ teachers meet 1-1 with every child and their parents to discuss next steps. There are also Open Tray Evenings, Open Classroom Events and Walk Around Evenings.

Information is also added to the website, twitter feed, the notice board and the weekly newsletter. The Head teacher is highly visible throughout the school and readily meet with parents. There is a weekly surgery where no appointment is necessary. Teachers are present at the end of each day and appointments can be made to meet with staff at other times. Parents are well informed and active partners in the school and give positive feedback and suggestions. Parent views are asked for in the annual parent survey and at the Governor Table at Goal Sharing. We listen to all suggestions and action those that are appropriate.

Parents asked if the Homework could be less project based.

We introduced a new Homework Policy with fewer project based tasks.

Parents asked if they could have their child’s homework set over weekends so that they could have more time to help their children.

We consulted parents about the Homework Policy and updated it so that homework was set over weekends.

Parents asked if there could be improved communication.

We introduced twitter, an updated weekly newsletter and purchased a notice board.

Parents asked if the KS1 Playground could be improved.

With the help of the PTA we were able to provide a new play area in the KS1 Playground.

Parents asked if we could celebrate International Women’s Day.

We introduced International Women’s Day into the curriculum.

Parents asked if the Reception Class induction period could be shorter.

We introduced a shorter settling in period for the Reception Class.