17 November 2009 - Minutes of meeting
Present: Dave Cole (DC) (Head), Tara Gold, Annette Hooper, Alice Salmon, Leanne Golliker, Anna Tarrant, Julie Davies
Governors: Alison Elson and Penny Lambert
17th November 2009
Apologies: none
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 in order to drive the school development plan forward. The agenda for this forum is led by the parents.
2. School Matters:
Spellings
AH thanked DC for looking into how parents received feedback regarding spellings. AT felt some teachers had embraced the change better than others.
DC stated he would check with all class teachers to ensure a consistent approach.
House points
AT mentioned that at a recent class rep meeting there was a perception that school house points were somehow ‘fixed’. She stated that in the past, yellow team never won and now its red team. DC confirmed this notion was certainly not true and would discuss this matter with teachers at the next staff meeting.
Communication
LG said some communication to parents is lacking in its explanations e.g in dairy dates, what do things actually mean. She felt there should be some ‘blurb’ about what the event is. Parents are not clear whether they are invited or if help is required. AS continued by enough notice was not given to get things like outfits for dressing up occasions.
Christmas Play
AH said several parents in the playground have asked the question whether could be an additional Christmas play for rotational purposes. PL suggested a parent or teacher write a new play. JD asked whether the diocese might be in a position to help with this.
Car Parking
PL raised the issue of the car park. DC stated that the possibility of the walking bus being reintroduced was being looked at and that a working party to address for possible solutions was underway. He finished by saying that we cannot risk a child being hurt in the car park. All present thought the closure of the car park was a good idea.
Website
LG asked who received a copy of the minutes. DC stated that they would be on the website and a link would be emailed to parents once they had been typed.
AT informed the group that the PTA had been working hard to keep their pages updated and DC also informed parents of the new Extended Services Page on the website.
Headteacher position
JD asked whether Frances Ayres would be offered the position of headteacher. AE stated that an advert would be going out in January. AH said there was a small pot of heads who are practising Christians and good headteachers. She asked if a good headteacher was found who was not a Christian, whether they would be considered. DC explained that as RPCS received an outstanding OFSTED report, it is very difficult to find a head to take on a school in this position. AE continued by saying we are looking again at what the school requires and are going over the job specification again. The governors have looked at faith and commitment and have brought it in line with the admissions policy. The governors feel that the faith of the school comes from the top and feel that it should be kept that way. TG added that the advert could be more loosely worded so that more people might apply if Januarys advert does not work.
Next Meeting: Thursday 4th February 2010 at 2.15pm