Parent Forum
What is the Parent Forum?
The Parent Forum is a partnership between parents and the school. It is a valuable way to share ideas, views, concerns and make suggestions for improvement.
The aims of the Parent Forum will be to:
- work together to improve the education provided for our children
- share information, knowledge and skills
- meet in a mutually supportive environment
- further improve communications between parents/carers and staff/governors
The Parent Forum does not have any statutory responsibilities, duties or powers in the school.
Who can be part of the Parent Forum?
Any parent/carer of children currently at Bassingbourn Primary School is welcome to join any Parent Forum meeting. The forum will be chaired by a member of the senior leadership team. At times, other members of the school community will also attend the meetings depending on the agenda items and what the school feels they would like to share with the parents, such as new initiatives.
Why should I be part of the Parent Forum?
It gives you, the parent, an opportunity to get together on a regular basis with other parents to have your say on what the school is doing well and suggest ideas of how things could be improved.
How often will the Parent Forum meet?
Every term for about an hour. Currently, the meetings will be held virtually via Zoom. There will be an agenda and minutes taken throughout the meeting. There is also the opportunity to raise AOB (any other business) in addition to topics advertised in the newsletter.
What will be discussed at the meetings?
Anything related to improving the school and further developing the partnership between the school and parents. The meetings will be informal and are an opportunity for an open discussion. Minutes of the meetings will be taken and these will be accessible on the school's website and emailed to parents. It is not the forum to discuss concerns or complaints involving individual children, families or members of staff.
In the past year, useful feedback has been gathered from the parent forum on matters including homework, handwriting and the introduction of a new behaviour policy. Equally, the leadership team has welcomed the questions and opinions of the parent forum in shaping school policy and protocols. All matters raised are considered and responded to by one of the Headteachers.
When possible, class representatives are elected to gather views and feedback to the wider parental body.
Unfortunately, due to the limited number of responses to the parent forum request for agenda items, the Spring Term Parent Forum will not be going ahead. We completely understand that, due to the current situation with some parents having to homeschool, juggle homelife, family and work, they are not able to attend and so postponing it to a time when there are less pressures would be more beneficial. We will aim to continue with the Summer Term Parent Forum and will send a reminder nearer the time.
If you do have any issues that you want to discuss, please email us directly at office@bassingbourn.cambs.sch.uk
How to Compliment, Comment or Raise a Concern
We really value your thoughts and feedback.
Every day, we make many decisions to support all our children to thrive, and your views, whether positive or constructive, help us to reflect, improve and plan for the future. You may wish to share a compliment, pass on a suggestion, or talk through something that is on your mind.
If you have any questions or concerns about anything we do, we encourage you to get in touch. You can speak to us in person, contact us by phone, or write to us by letter or email.
In most cases, we find that matters can be resolved quickly and informally through a conversation, either by putting something right or by explaining our approach. If something is unclear or worrying you, please feel welcome to speak to your child’s class teacher in the first instance, or another appropriate member of staff.
We understand that it can sometimes feel difficult to raise a concern, but we are here to listen and work with you. Sharing your thoughts helps us to support both you and your child effectively.
If your concern has not been resolved after speaking with a member of staff, you are welcome to arrange a meeting with the Headteacher. We will always aim to find a positive way forward together.
On the rare occasions where a concern cannot be resolved informally, our formal complaints procedure is available, and further information can be found in the Concerns and Complaints policy.
If you do have any issues that you want to discuss, please email us directly at office@bassingbourn.cambs.sch.uk
