Class WhatsApp groups

[MrsWobble4]

Hi, just seeking views. What’s normal here - are all parents included and if so how do you manage this. Is anyone from the school included eg teacher or TA. Who is admin and does class rep have a role? Thanks

Ours are great, really useful reminders. The school will ask for 4 volunteers from each class for a trip and we use the whatsapp to work out who can do it then the class rep gives the school the list of names. If someone has to drop out last minute they will post on the whatsapp and someone will take their place.

I have a big age gap between my dcs and my eldest is so old that Whatsapp groups didn't exist. It was so much harder to deal with birthday party invites and contacting parents in general. So I'm definitely in favour of Whatsapp groups for my youngest DD now. Ours is set up by parents, and encouraged by the school. No staff are involved and the class reps ensures any new parents are signed up and post reminders (I don't need them as I read the newsletters, but other parents find it useful). All the whole-class parties are posted on there, with rsvps and thank yous, so it's very easy. There are never any arguments or gossip. It means that you have access to other parent's numbers for smaller parties and play dates.

Whole class gifts are organised by the class rep on there - there is an expectation that all families will contribute, and they all do without any fuss. Tbh it's an affluent area and none of the families have any problem affording it (and most of us are grateful not to have to spend time thinking about what gift to get).