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This parent rep partnership isn't going to work

5 replies

ExtremelyOrganised · 18/07/2022 14:25

The class reps for my child's year group have come to the end of their term and about four weeks ago school asked for two volunteers to step up and replace them. I contacted school to volunteer. I had no idea whether anyone else had volunteered, but another mum did so at the same time, and we were put in contact with each other. The outgoing reps agreed to have a meeting with us so that we could learn about the nitty gritty (although I have a very good idea already about what's involved). However, the other mum has been extremely slow to agree dates for the meeting and in fact has been fairly unresponsive to WA messages, only reply days later after I've chased her. She says she still wants to do it.

This has given me some misgivings. Much as I like her personally, I don't see this working as a parent rep partnership. Obviously I don't want to offend her, especially as our kids are friendly and in the same class, and I am friendly with her otherwise.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I might diplomatically tell her that, for me, this is probably not going to work? I'd rather do the whole rep business on my own than do it with someone who I have to keep chasing down every time we need to make a decision! I can't see how she'd be an effective rep if I decided to step aside, as, with our school's set up, we need to be responsive to passing messages on from class teachers as well as organising a couple of events together during the school year. I feel like it's now either her or me!

The details I've given are rather brief because this could be very outing!, but thanks for reading.

OP posts:
Unexpecteddrivinginstructor · 18/07/2022 14:30

Just divy up the duties, you take the things that really matter to you and if some of the other things don't happen then it isn't the end of the world. If anyone asks then just say oh Sarah is organising the night out so maybe ask her. She might just be really busy now but knows she will have more time in a few months.

AintNoPartyLikeANumber10Party · 18/07/2022 14:31

You’re jumping the gun. She might be fine. Just manage her a little eg set a deadline for decisions/feedback.

Quartz2208 · 18/07/2022 14:35

Having been a class rep for 6 years (3 years for two classes) this seems way too complicated!

Just say to her going to meet the outgoing - will pass information to you once the term starts and we can sort out who does what

ExtremelyOrganised · 19/07/2022 09:57

Thanks @Quartz2208 . It is way too complicated. The other mum did let slip that it was somewhat dependant on her domestic situation but that she still wanted to do it with me. However, there is a third party involved. I'm happy to step up as class rep, but not if it involves becoming entangled in the co-rep's domestics, which so far, mean that I am having to chase even for a simple 'I'll get back to you', which doesn't progress the handover one little bit.

Sorry for the drip feed and also for being so opaque.

OP posts:
Bunnycat101 · 20/07/2022 18:56

I think you’re being a bit unreasonable. . If it’s anything like ours you’ll be grateful for someone else to be doing Christmas card orders etc. I’m not sure why you need a handover tbh- maybe she’ll be totally fine when not having to meet up for a meeting that seems a bit ott. I wouldn’t prioritise a rep handover meeting if I had childcare issues but i would and have been useful in doing the role.

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