24 September 2009 - Minutes of meeting
Present: Dave Cole (DC) (Head), Helen Kelsey (HK) (Deputy), Helen Davis, Annette Hooper, Anna Tarrant, Annemieke Roberts, Paul Danbury, Susuan Statham, Victoria Nunn, Juanita Coleman, Liz Calvert, Claire Neville
Governors: Alison Elson and Penny Lambert
24 Septembet 2009
Apologies: Tara Gold, Lis Bowen
1. Welcome
DC welcomed everyone to the Parents’ Forum meeting and reminded the group that the purpose of the forum was to help the school move forward. DC explained that the school has to self assess its progress and as part of that the views and ideas of parents are essential.
2. School Matters:
Spellings
AT stated that although children are given new spellings to learn each week, there is no feedback to the parents on how well the child is doing. HK replied that the new words given out and test take place on a Monday. The spelling books were available in the classroom which could be checked on Monday drop-in. CN asked if there was any other opportunity of checking if unable to attend Monday drop-in.
ACTION – DC/HK
Transition between year groups
SS felt it was daunting for children new to Year 1 to be evaluated within the first couple of days and the children not being able to ask for help. She enquired whether it was necessary to group the children straight away or could it be done more discretely. DC felt that this could be done more discretely and was possibly the teachers own format.
LC asked if Year 1 run as reception in first ½ term as it is difficult to know how to support the children. DC commented that he saw no reason why Year 1 should look very different to reception in the early days and the transition process throughout the school is closely monitored.
ACTION – DC to verify
AR stated she had a useful chat with Miss Lambert regarding the expectations of the children in Year 1 and thought it might be useful for all parents to know this information. DC replied that there is a perception in Reception that the children only learn through play, but there is far more structure than is thought. AE stated that last year many parents did say that it took a long time for to settle into Year 1. HK continued by stating that parents should be given a good idea of what they can do and how they can help at home.
ACTION – DC/HK to reiterate with staff.
Parents evening
AR stated she was not sure what to do with the information given in the meeting especially areas where children might need extra support. DC stated that the meeting potential is important.
LC enquired about the Foundation Stage Report and whether parents were given the scoring of the 9 stages. DC thought this information was held on children’s files.
ACTION – DC to find out if scores available to parents.
VN asked how long children held the position on the School Council? HK informed her that children were elected ½ termly to give as many children a possible the chance to be a part of the council. Year 2 children hold a secret ballot; Year 1 by hand up vote; Reception teachers choose children. DC added that it was a very difficult process in Infant Schools.
3. Parent Matters:
AR felt there was some confusion over the drop off procedures in the morning e.g. some mothers hang around others stand back. She stated that at Holmesdale School parents can drop off to classrooms after 8.45 and wait for the whistle to blow. She said she would feel nervous if her child were in breakfast club as it would be difficult for the children to be supervised. JC added that there was a lot of congestion around the lines with pushchairs. HK said it is for this reason that parents are asked to stay back. HK concluded by stating parents should communicate with teachers with notes.
ACTION – DC to trial a ‘parents back line’ after half term.
SS asked if there were any ways of letting the children know if they will be having a different teacher due to courses etc. HK stated that the class teacher would normally inform the class of any changes.
ACTION – DC to remind teachers to inform children of staff changes.
Emails AR asked whether it would be possible for emails to be printed off at the end of each day? HK informed the group that a file was kept up to date with letters that had been sent out. CN enquired if the emails could be sent at one point during the day rather than the odd one here and there? DC said that this approach would be difficult.
School Lunch VN asked if there was anyway in which we could control the amount of carbohydrates the children ate? HK advised her that that the bread was to supplement the meal and ensured that the mid supervisors check that the children are eating well.
Next Meeting: Tuesday 17th November 2009 at 2.15pm