7 parents came along to chat about the following issues with Mrs Hood:
Reading
Parents of a reception child asked about ways in which they could help their child with reading at home. Mrs Hood explained that it is important that the child sees reading as a pleasurable activity and so a routine of reading together before bedtime is useful and will help the child to develop an enjoyment of reading.
Feedback on a child’s progress
Mrs Hood outlined the ways in which parents can get updates on their child’s progress including drop-in sessions, parents’ evenings and reports (due in March and in July for reception children). A parent wondered how he might find out about maths progress in school and Mrs Hood talked about the maths session that was held last year for parents to learn about the teaching of maths. Parents discussed the difficulties of finding the right time to hold these kinds of events. One parent commented that their child was very happy with his progress at school – so much so that he wanted to come in at the weekends!
Languages
A parent commented that it was wonderful to have so many languages in one school and said that it was like “a world under one roof”. Mrs Hood informed parents that 18 languages are used by children in the school and this was unique in Devon.
Safe internet use
A discussion was held about the safety issues surrounding internet use, for example, young children are accessing social websites and are at risk of exploitation or bullying online. Mrs Hood informed parents that the school website has a safe internet quiz and a parent support section for parents to access. The school is going to buy extra laptops for parents who have no internet access at home which can be used by parents and children. Children in school are learning about safe internet use in family group time, and it is also taught in the curriculum across the school. Mrs Hood enquired whether parents would be interested in attending a meeting on internet safety and it was agreed that the school would repeat a survey for parents to determine interest in this topic in the summer term.
Road Safety
A parent asked about the crossing on the road outside the school. Mrs Hood explained that the school is in the process of working with the Council to improve the signage and safety in York Road. Parents are kept up to date with progress in this through the Bell newsletter.
P.E kit.
A parent of a reception child reported that their child has grown out of P.E kit before they have worn it! Mrs Hood explained that infant children do physical activity for 30 minute daily during “Leap into Life” time but they do not usually change into P.E kit as it takes too long. Children will change out of uniform more often in the summer term. Mrs Hood agreed to make this clear to new parents for next September.Lunchtimes
A parent of a reception child asked about lunchtime routines as their child felt rather intimidated by the large hall (and children!) in the first few weeks of school. Mrs Hood explained that Mrs Felton accompanies new children to the dining room for lunch over their first few days. Mealtimes are staggered for all children and dinner ladies supervise the groupings of children. Encouragement is given to children to eat a healthy diet and finish their food and they will inform teachers if a child consistently leaves their food uneaten.
Information
Mrs Hood asked if parents felt informed about their child’s progress in school. People agreed that the newsletters, letters, the Bell and half termly newsletters from teachers were very helpful. Parents of siblings reported that they often received two of everything – despite the school’s best efforts to limit this. Parents suggested that they would prefer to receive information by email and it was suggested that children get involved in putting their school work on the school website. Mrs Hood agreed to talk to the teachers about the possibility of organising this work.
(NB For parents please read carers or any one with legal responsibility for the child.)