Communication with School
Parent Communication
This procedure outlines how the school communicates with parents and carers, ensuring that communication is clear, respectful, consistent, and manageable for staff while supporting positive relationships.
General Principles
- We value open, honest, and respectful communication between home and school.
- Communication should be timely, appropriate, and focused on supporting pupils’ learning and wellbeing.
- The school aims to respond to queries within a reasonable timeframe during working hours.
Routes of Communication
1. General Enquiries and Notifications
Parents and carers should send general queries, updates, or notifications to the school via telephone call or the main office email address: Telephone Number: 01732 352367 schooloffice@sussex-road.kent.sch.uk
This might include:
- Reporting absence or lateness
- Providing general updates about a child
- Raising concerns
The school office will ensure the message is directed to the appropriate member of staff.
2. Contacting Teaching Staff or Senior Leaders
If parents wish to speak with a member of staff (including teachers or senior leaders), they should contact the School Office to request a telephone call; staff may then deem it appropriate to organise a face-to-face meeting.
The office team will arrange for the appropriate member of staff to respond as soon as possible.
3. Staff Email Communication
To ensure staff wellbeing, consistency, and safeguarding:
- Parents must not use private or direct staff email addresses to contact teachers or senior leaders.
- All communication should be routed through the school office unless explicitly agreed in advance for specific purposes.
Response Times
- The school aims to respond within 3 working days.
- Staff are not expected to respond to messages outside of school hours, including evenings, weekends, and school holidays.
Urgent Matters
For urgent issues (e.g. safeguarding concerns or immediate changes to collection arrangements), parents should contact the School Office by telephone to ensure the concern has been received.
Respectful Communication
All communication should be:
- Polite and respectful, inline with the school Values;
- Constructive and focused on resolving issues
The school reserves the right to address inappropriate, harassing or aggressive communication in line with its Parent Conduct Policy.