Ofsted guidance on a primary school's communication with parents

[AtheneNoctua]

Is there such a thing? Can anyone point me to it? Yes, I have looked, but failed.

What kind of communication? Day to day stuff? Lack of communication of events? It would help to know what they failed to communicate before trying to point you in the right direction!

Sorry. Things like parents sending e-mail, written paper notes directly to teacher regarding health and welfare of child, and getting no response from teacher. A wide variety of issue through the term really, and the teacher, who is otherwise fab, just doesn't respond.

Athene, I remember you posted on this problem yesterday. Why don't you write a letter to the teacher saying can you agree a way of communicating that you're both happy with. If she doesn't come up with one, then go to the head.

Hi Smee. I had this conversation with her at the consultation when I asked if she had received my e-mails. She said she had but preferred to have a paper note passed to her. So, I started writing paper notes and sending them to school with nanny. Still no response. Last week I e-mailed the school office to ask them how I might set up a telephone call with her. But, she's been off sick this week so I'm still waiting for a response. If I don't get it, I'll go to the head in a week or two. I thought I would give her a bit of time to settle back in after being off sick.

But, when I go to the head (if I ahve to and I hope I don't) I want to have some ofsted guidance to support what I feel they should be doing. And I also want the guidance (if it exists) so I can check it and make sure I'm not asking something that is unrealistic.

The thing is I really like this teacher apart from her reluctance to talk to me. I think she is really good with the kids in the classroom. And I really really don't want to get her in trouble. But, I will go to the head after I have given her every reasonable opportunity to respond.

Also, if I go to the head now, someone will say she hasn't responded because she is off sick. And I don't want her to use that esxcuse because this has been going on for a couple of months and she hasn't been sick that long.

Are you asking things to the teacher on these emails and notes or just letting her know something regarding your DC? Maybe if she just thinks you are informing her of something she does not see the point of getting back to you?

Now if the notes do require an answer and she persistantly does not give you one I would just stay after class and ask her directly when is the best moment to have a proper chat with her?

I think I'd write again, Athene. Is there no way you can book an appointment to see her for five minutes? I know it's impossible with work, but might be worth it. It's great you like her, be a shame if you ended up going to the Head when probably it's easy to sort out.

The problem is I do not stand at the school gate. And I don't really think it's reasonable for me to take a whole afternoon off work just because she can't reply to a note. I do have a nanny but she's not as stroppy as I am so doesn't stand at the gate demanding a response before she leaves the gate.

I will persue the "How do I arrange a phnoe conversation with teacherx" route. And will make an appointment to go see the head if I don't get a result in the next two weeks.

Some of the e-mails/notes have requested specific action from her, not the least of which was "Please respond to this e-mail at... or .... or ...."

Sorry, I did not realise you were not the one doing the pick up. A phonecall to the school asking to speak with her when you know she isn a break? Maybe she will be reluctant to have to deal with parents during her break and will be the one arranging another appointment at a suitble time for both of you?

Trying taking some time to pick your DC up from school. Then you can speak to the teacher directly.

Oh now THAT was helpful.

Can you try calling the school? Between 4.00 and 4.30 is often quite a good time to catch teachers.

FWIW there are many, many reasons why parents may not be there at pick-up time, and schools should still make communication possible. DD1 goes on the school bus as we are in a rural area, and most of my interraction with the school is by phone.

I agree that no response at all is a bit odd.
But I think from the tone of your emails- "please respond at...", and "nanny not as stroppy as I am" might get her back up and she'll think you're a PITA.
I would call the school (not email) asking what is the best time to talk to her- and catch her at lunchtime/after school. I think to go in with "ofsted guidance" is a bit OTT and will get school's back up. If you explain it's to do with health and welfare of child, then they ought to get back ASAP.
I believe you're in SW London Athene- is it a private school?

How often do you need to speak to her? Is this all about one thing? I have visions of daily notes...

Yes I had that vision too Madonna......are you sure the nanny handed them in?

Yes, I am sure the nanny handed the notes in. I am just back from a parents evening out. And it seems I'm not the only who finds the school rather working-parent unfriendly. But, I will eneadavor to adress this on the friendliest terms possible. It would still be helpful to know of there is an ofsted guidance out there. I'm not going to wave it with guns balzing. But I would like to be informed on ofsted's position in case I need it for support.

Oh, and the notes have been over the course of this term -- so one every two or three weeks. Definitley not daily.

Athene- are the secretaries helpful when you call?
It just seems an odd situation that no one has got back to you.