Communication and Safety, Engaging with parents and raising concerns

How will the school contact me in an emergency?

In incidents where the school needs to contact a parent urgently, the school will use the home contact information.

If the school is unable to speak directly to parents, we will usually leave a short message asking parents to ring the school and/ or contact other adults (e.g. grandparents) from the emergency list

We do understand that some parents like to scan the phone call number using caller ID before they answer. Therefore, please be aware that the school may ring from either 01453 762773 (incoming and outgoing calls) or 01453759611(outgoing calls only). Please be reassured that in the event of an emergency relating to a child’s welfare or an accident, if we are unable to make contact, the school will assume responsibility and act on behalf of the parents (e.g. accompany children to hospital in an ambulance etc.)

How do I contact the school if my child is ill or I have a message?

Mrs Sarah du Feu, our School Business Manger, is available in the School Office from 8.00am - 4pm Monday to Friday and answers the telephone and picks up any emails/messages from parents first thing in the morning. Please use the admin@randwick.gloucs.sch.uk email address. Absences can also be reported through the School Spider App.

May we ask that you contact the school by phone if you have any messages regarding a pupil’s absence or after school pick-up arrangements. This will ensure that the message has been received. Special arrangements can be made for parents who need additional  support to communicate with the school

If a child is ill and unable to attend, it is very important that the school is notified as soon as possible. If no message has been received by 9.20 am, the school will begin its missing child procedures, starting with contacting the parents. If this is unsuccessful, we will then work through the emergency contacts. If after these procedures, no contact can be made, the school will inform the emergency services. It is very important that if a child is ill for a number of consecutive days, that parents ring in daily

What are the procedures for the start of the school day?

Please remember the children come in to school betweem 8.35 -8.45, Owls through the front gate, and Buzzards, Kestrels and Sparrowhawks through the back gate. A bell will ring at 8.45. Mr Poad will be on duty at the back gate and Mrs Donaldson on the front gate from 8.35 until 8.45.

What to do if my child has a medical or other appointment during the school day? 

If a child is taken out of school between registration periods, we ask that parents sign them out at the school office and sign them in again when they return. It is therefore very important that parents accompany their child to school on return, rather than drop them at the top of the path to school. As a matter of safety, all children leaving school must be collected by a parent from the school office.

How can I be 'dog safe'?

Whilst we understand that bringing the family dog to meet the children is a really good exercise opportunity (for the owner and the dog!), dogs are not allowed on school property and should not be brought into the small playground or waiting areas outside the main gate or in the shelter on the small playground.The school has to make allowances as it has a public footpath through its school areas and must comply with public rights of way. However, as a matter of common sense and safety for all, we ask that dogs are not brought into areas where the children play, line up or are collected. We feel that it would be advisable that if dogs are on the footpath areas, the adults remain responsible for the pets, rather than letting the children hold the leads. We also ask that you discourage other children from stroking or patting your pet. This is for the safety of everyone.

How will the teachers share information about my child with me?

Teachers take the children out to meet parents and carers at the end of the day and so are able to pass on information when necessary. Sometimes teachers may need to inform parents or carers of a fall in the playground, a particular achievement or an incident involving unacceptable behaviour.

How can I raise any concerns with the teachers about my child?

Parents are encouraged to speak to the class teachers if they have a specific concern about their child. Parents are asked to pop into school at the beginning of the day between 8:30 and 8:45am or after school to make an appointment to discuss matters at a mutually convenient time – often at the end of the teaching day. Parents can also make a comment for the teacher in each child’s homework or reading diary.

How will the teachers or the school let me know about a problem or concern?

Similarly, teachers will consult parents if they have any concerns about a child. It is always helpful, when there is a concern or query, to meet with the class teacher as soon as possible. We are committed to solving problems quickly and this can prevent minor issues or misunderstandings becoming major problems. On some occasions a letter from the head teacher may be written to inform parents about a specific incident or to invite them into school for a meeting.

What do I do if I need more information or wish to raise an issue/ complaint?

When a parent has a particular whole-school matter, or if they require further information or reassurance, the teacher may ask them to speak with the head teacher. Parents may wish to write down their concerns and send these to the head teacher, however, the quickest way to address these concerns is by organising a meeting face to face with parents.

The head teacher will liaise with parents to arrange a convenient meeting to clarify the issue or concern and then work together to resolve the matter. Parents may approach a parent governor regarding the matter and they will advise them to contact the head teacher in the first instance. If parents feel that a problem has not been resolved, then the next step is to write to the Chair of Governors, c/o the school detailing the issue or concern. A copy of the school complaints policy further clarifies this procedure for parents.

Is there a code of conduct for adults?

We always listen to concerns and do our best to answer queries or investigate incidents as thoroughly as possible. Staff are courteous and committed to working with parents in the best interests of the children. We ask parents to show the same courtesy in raising concerns and enjoy a relationship with staff based on this mutual understanding and respect.

Sharing your views about the school

As you are aware, the school is always interested in hearing parent’s views about how we’re doing. You’re always welcome to pop in and see us in person or write to us direct. We also send out an annual questionnaire in the summer term which asks for parent’s views and suggestions of how we can improve.

Ofsted has recently introduced a new channel called ‘Parent View‘ which gives you the chance to tell them what you think about your child’s school. Parent View asks for your opinion on 12 aspects of your child’s school, from the quality of teaching, to dealing with bullying and poor behaviour.

We ask parents to be mindful that the Ofsted site is not designed to receive complaints about the school. If any parent does have a complaint or concern, please contact the school directly, or read about raising concerns here. Further guidance is also available in the School Brochure.