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Teenagers

Parenting teenagers has its ups and downs. Get advice from Mumsnetters here.

School uncommunicative - worries about DS

3 replies

WelshCerys · 04/05/2012 17:50

DS in year 11. School was never very communicative - but now worse than ever. Will not respond to emails - or return calls - I rarely contact and when I do, it's important.

Like worries about DS's progress - like the fact that things may be troubling him at school - like (today) when I don't when upcoming weekend revision sessions are as DS didn't bring note from school home. Emailed school to request copy of letter - no reply - today phoned and admin officer could not have been chillier and less helpful. She laid into DS' tutor for not responding to my email (apparently sent to him) and, when off the phone to enquire about the letter, said, very clearly to a colleague - "Panicking Mum on phone ....".

Told her I'd heard (she'd said this to someone I know - makes it more embarrassing). Her excuse was that she was angry with the tutor ..

I'm left not knowing anything - and with a school that over the years has proved it cannot (will not?) communicate efficiently or politely with parents. I have serious worries about DS - and, on a practical level, need to know about the revision sessions but school seems utterly disinterested.

What to do? The Head? Wrote directly the tutor after this call (which left me shaken) but, as ever, no reply - did not, incidentally, spill the beans about this woman's behaviour or comments about the tutor.

Want this resolved - DS hopeless about telling me anything - the school even worse. Thanks!

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SecretSquirrels · 04/05/2012 18:00

I'd ring up and ask to see head of KS4 urgently.
GCSEs start in just over a week so it's probably too late to do much now if there is a serious problem. Our school started intervention / revision back in September and there have been after school and lunch time sessions pretty much ever since.
Having said that we also get regular progress reports and details of all available revision sessions.
Have you really have never had anything like this?

BumpingFuglies · 04/05/2012 18:01

Make an appointment to see the relevant teachers and don't be fobbed off. Make a note of your concerns and speak to them personally. Don't stop ringing. And make a complaint about the "pancicking Mum" comment. None of what you have experienced is acceptable.

Don't forget to put your thick skin on Smile

WelshCerys · 04/05/2012 18:09

Thanks so much - Squirrels and Fuglies. I will contact Head of Year - seriously worried about DS's progress/chances/when the revision sessions are.

The lack of communication/information is astounding. What few messages I've left for Head of Year/Form Tutor to phone me - what few emails I sent were very, very rarely answered. Over 6 years.

The school seems to care so little for parents! I've heard others complain about their indifference to normal parental concerns.

I'm glad your school is keeping you informed, Squirrels. Shows it can be done! Fuglies - I think I will take the office manager's comment and attitude further - at least by speaking to a governor I know for some advice in the first instance. Office Manager! She should know better -

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