Communication Protocol

Our staff are committed to providing a high quality education to your child, and constantly improving their learning.  As part of this, communication with parents is very important to us and we always strive to ensure that we communicate well with parents.

How we communicate

Depending on the nature of information or issue being discussed, we typically communicate with parents through the following means:-

Parentapp

The School Website

Class Dojo

Email

Letters (in writing)

In person (through a face to face meeting)

In addition, teachers should usually be available before school when you drop your child off during which time any quick messages can be communicated to them.  However, should parents wish to have a longer conversation it is important that they make an appointment to speak to the teacher.  It is very important that in the interest of the children in the class, the teacher is able to take the class to the classroom as soon as possible after the morning bell goes at 8.45am so that children can begin their learning.

It is not our policy to typically expect staff to communicate with individual parents via email as this becomes time consuming and untenable over time; and therefore can be detrimental to the day to day running of the school and ensuring that staff are working in the best interests of all pupils according to their role.  If you wish to communicate with any member of staff including senior leaders, please do so via the school admin email - enquiries@admin.lowtonprimary.wigan.sch.uk or if your communication is not vital please contact class teachers via class dojo.

Resolving concerns

We always aim to work harmoniously with parents/carers in the best interests of their children and to deal with any issues that may arise in a prompt and professional manner.  Most issues can be quickly and easily resolved through effective communication and working in partnership.

Parents have a right to expect the best for their children and they have a right to express their concerns, though at the same time, teacher and pupils must be allowed to work and learn in a safe and secure environment.

If parents do raise a concern, an initial response or acknowledgement should usually be provided to parents within 5 school days.  This will then be followed up in whatever manner is appropriate and agreed (which may include arranging an opportunity to find out more details).

Parents are encouraged to liaise with the class teacher initially, outside teaching hours at a time mutually agreed.  The next step would be to arrange a meeting with the relevant member of the senior leadership team, which can be arranged by calling the school office.

Acceptable behaviour and working in partnership

We want to foster a community where people are treated with respect and courtesy.  It is important that parents do not approach a child other than their own about a concern.  It is also important that parents do not usually try to address their concerns directly with other parents where those concerns relate to incidents between children that happen in school.

We are happy to meet with parents to discuss and try to resolve concerns.  However, raised voices, aggression, unnecessary accusatory language, swearing, or threatening behaviour towards staff, pupils or other parents will result in termination of the meeting/ or in removal from the premises.  In serious cases the police may be called.

Similarly, we will not tolerate confrontational or inappropriate behaviour in public spaces around the school (such as the corridor) where this behaviour could potentially be witnessed by pupils.

In the event of raised voices, aggression, swearing or threatening behaviour (in person or in writing including social media), parents will be warned in writing that a repeat of the behaviour will result in a ban from the school site.

In the event of a repeat of behaviour, or in serious cases during the first incident, the Headteacher will write to the parent imposing a ban from the school site.  The ban will range in length depending on the seriousness of the behaviour.  Parents will be informed in the banning letter of their right to appeal the ban through writing to the Chair of Governors.