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Do schools normally respond to parent emails?

39 replies

MaryMotherOfCheeses · 22/06/2013 00:19

I've sent 3 emails so far, DD in yr 7.

Two to the info@ address, as recommended when I phoned to check the email address. One of those was a question about possible disciplinary action against the class, I was asking for clarification on the process. (It turned out it wasn't a class issue but that was something DD managed to resolve herself much later) One was a complaint to the chair of governors where a number of parents have voiced the same concern. No response on either matter. Not even a "we've got your email, thanks, we're looking at the issue".

The third was to a specific teacher, following up on something really positive we chatted about at parents' evening, where he had said "yes email me about it". I don't think I got the wrong address, because it didn't bounce back.

Do schools normally respond to parent emails?

OP posts:
MaryMotherOfCheeses · 22/06/2013 15:15

Thanks all. I was beginning to wonder if I was being unreasonable. High school not like primary, busy teachers can't pander to parents etc etc.

I think I'll send a letter about it.

OP posts:
lljkk · 22/06/2013 13:19

yes ime.

LuvMyBoyz · 22/06/2013 12:14

Yes, disgraceful you haven't had a reply. Either the info@ emails aren't being sent on or you are being ignored. Both need to be put right. All teachers I know will answer parent emails (although I only answer mine in work time). Herd to get through on the phone as the job tends to keep you out of your office these days (if you have one).

englishteacher78 · 22/06/2013 10:29

I have my school email address attached to my iPhone.
I reply to emails at the earliest opportunity. Even if it's just to say I'll investigate and get back to the parent/student/colleague later. I appreciate emails as sometimes I've found out things about students that I think the form tutor should have passed on and hadn't.
It is disgraceful you haven't heard back.

Earnshaw · 22/06/2013 10:28

I have children in two different secondaries and they are both very good at responding.

Sparklingbrook · 22/06/2013 10:28

DS1's school is brilliant for responding. A 'we have recieved your email and forwarded to....' almost immediately followed by a response very quickly.
I was very impressed.

They should be dealing with their emails and responding Mary. Sad

Coconutty · 22/06/2013 10:27

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Silverfoxballs · 22/06/2013 10:27

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

TinaSurrey · 22/06/2013 10:25

In my experience e mails are met with silence when school is in the wrong otherwise replies are usually same day.

Porka · 22/06/2013 07:04

We have email addresses for teachers and generally they respond quite quickly for trivial matters. For more serious matters such as bullying, mess up of a public exam and incorrect recording of unauthorised absence, I have been forced to instigate the complaints procedure when I haven't received a response within a reasonable time (and sent several emails and phone calls which weren't returned). It really really pisses me off.

eatyourveg · 22/06/2013 06:41

our school has a rule to respond within 2 days, ime they always seem to manage the same day

FeegleFion · 22/06/2013 00:56

My DD has had a nightmare year (I won't bore you).

Her form tutor and I are like pen pals (except, in email form).

Yes, they should be either responding via email or following up any emails you send with a call.

timidviper · 22/06/2013 00:54

They should as basic manners. I would print those emails off, visit the school and ask why you have not had the courtesy of a reply

cyclinghappy · 22/06/2013 00:51

Our school always responds, whether it is to say that they have passed the message on to the relevant person or an actual response from the addressee themselves.

I have sent several messages to teachers and most have answered on the same day.

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