Working with home

We are firmly committed to building a partnership between home and school with the aim of developing shared expectations, of enhancing the quality of education, and of achieving high standards. We would like the partnership to take a variety of forms including:

• the sharing of books and undertaking other appropriate activities to support your child at home

• help around the school – for example reading with individual children

• attending consultation evenings, open days and work showcases

• shared learning opportunities

• attending meetings and workshops

• attending celebration assemblies and performances

We believe in good communication with parents. This takes many forms:

• Half termly newsletter

• Class newsletters

• Emails and text messages as reminders

• Staff will be on the school door at the start and end of the day. They may not be able to see you straight away but will make an appointment to discuss any issues at a mutually convenient time.

It is extremely important that parents/carers and the school work in partnership together to support the children’s education and secure their well-being. We are always seeking ways to develop and improve this partnership and really welcome any suggestions you may have. There are a number of valuable ways that you can support your child and feel part of the school community.

Nurturing a real love of reading is something we see as being very important, and hearing your child read and actively engaging with the text are hugely beneficial. Please carry on hearing your child read as regularly as possible and record it as a "read" in their student planner.

Although your child will be taught to read at school, you can have a huge impact on their reading journey by continuing their practice at home.

There are two types of reading book that your child may bring home:

• A reading practise book. This will be at the correct phonic stage for your child. They should be able to read this fluently and independently.

• A sharing book. Your child will not be able to read this on their own. This book is for you both to read and enjoy together.

Reading practise book: This book has been carefully matched to your child’s current reading level. If your child is reading it with little help, please don’t worry that it’s too easy – your child needs to develop fluency and confidence in reading. Listen to them read the book. Remember to give them lots of praise – celebrate their success! If they can’t read a word, read it to them. After they have finished, talk about the book together.

Sharing book: In order to encourage your child to become a lifelong reader, it is important that they learn to read for pleasure. The sharing book is a book they have chosen for you to enjoy together. Please remember that you shouldn’t expect your child to read this alone. Read it to or with them. Discuss the pictures, enjoy the story, predict what might happen next, use different voices for the characters, explore the facts in a non-fiction book. The main thing is that you have fun!

This is probably the most important, particularly if you are able to give generously of your time and interest in discussing with your child what they are doing at school. Time to hear children read, time to discuss projects or difficulties and time supporting hobbies and outside interests will all be invaluable. There will inevitably be times when some parents/ carers question the school’s practice and we would simply ask that you come into school to do so, rather than in front of your child.

If you have a concern or wish to see your child’s class teacher then call into the office either before or after school, or telephone the school to arrange a mutually convenient appointment. You are always welcome in school but we would ask parents/carers not to make casual visits when the school is actually in session as interruptions obviously disturb lessons. Formal parent-teacher consultations are held each term which involves the children.

You can be of real assistance by volunteering your time on a regular basis. Such support enables us to provide a rich variety of experiences for the children and increased opportunities to converse with adults. Previously parents/carers give time to help hear children read, help with art and craft activities, run extracurricular activities, help with swimming, help on educational visits, to name only a few. If you would like to help in this way, please contact the school. Local authority police clearance procedures are strictly adhered to for the protection of children.