You said

We did

More frequent text reminders

We try to balance the amount of texts we send out with the minimal amount of intrusion into your day – but going forward we will aim to send out more frequent reminders of key events in school.

Use of social media – new parent group FB is very useful

We are very glad to hear that the new Facebook page set up by the relaunched parent group has been so successful – this will continue, so we would ask anyone who hasn’t already signed up to this page, to do so at your earliest convenience: ‘Gunter parents for parents’ - ask the office for the password.

On the day (and day before) reminders of dress down etc.

As above, we do always try to send out reminders the day before events, but will aim to do this more reliably going forward. Don’t forget to check out our website at www.gunterprimary.org too for event information and news.

Emails to parents

We have trialled this previously at parents request, however due to the nature of our email system, it was a very ‘time heavy’ task and therefore not an efficient use of our very busy office staff’s duties. We did initially consider sending some items by email and some via ‘pupil post’, however, rather than risk some things not being sent as expected, it is more reliable to send all items in hard copy. Texts are sent when a particularly important letter is coming home, to advise you to check your child’s bag.

Regular questionnaires

We normally aim to do a parent questionnaire once a year, so as not to be too intrusive on your time, but will now look at doing this more regularly as requested – however, our response rate to parent questionnaires has historically been very low, so I would ask that if you do have any comments to make, please take the opportunity to respond when given. Don’t forget, you can always get in touch via our email address parents@gunter.bham.sch.uk or by telephoning the office on 464 2367.

Advance notice of events

We have received very positive feedback from parents about the advance notice given this year for our timetable of Christmas activities – so we will endeavour to continue this going forward, as we recognise that you need to be able to plan your diary in advance to allow you to attend events in school.

We could get an app for texts and calls

We already use the App ‘Teachers2parents’ for our text communications, so please download this from the App store onto your phone if you haven’t already.

No last minute changes of date or time for events

We do try our very, very best not to make changes to advertised dates or times of events, as we recognise the inconvenience this causes families – however, hopefully you can appreciate there may be rare occasions where this is unavoidable due to staff absence for example. We will continue to use cancellations or amendments as a very last resort, and ask for your understanding on this matter, as schools are very, very busy places.

Switching teachers each year

This year, several teachers have moved up with their classes – this has proved very beneficial with regards to supporting pupils’ transition, and ensuring progress continues at a good pace. In a one form entry school, there are only so many classes that teachers can be placed with, and it is inevitable that your child may be taught by the same teacher at least once during their time at school. All of our staff are very capable practitioners, who bring a wealth of experience and skills to their job. If you have any specific comments or queries regarding your child and a staff member, please contact the school office to arrange to discuss this with me directly.

It's a shame we have to lose

a day of learning in order to

host the polling station for

the elections.

Fence erected to separate

voters from pupils.

Risk assessment carried out

to enable years 1-6 to attend

school on voting days.

More learning time - an extra 5.5

hours a year!          

We all want to be able to see

our children in the Christmas

production - more tickets please!

An additional performance

was added this year, including

one now in the evening.

More families are able to come

and see their children perform,

with the additional advantage

of being able to come outside

of normal working hours.

It would be nice to be able to

speak to my child's class

teacher more privately during

Parents Evening.

Separate rooms allocated for

parent meetings, with waiting

parents kept separate, looking

at children's work.

Parents feel more comfortable

to talk openly to staff, and family's

privacy is maintained.

Mornings are much easier for me

to be able to attend parent

workshops.

Parent workshops are now all

held in the morning wherever

possible - or tagged onto the

end of assemblies.

Attendance at workshops has

increased.

It would be nice to get positive

feedback on how my child is

doing at school more often.

Dojo system set up, with parent

alerts, so that children can

celebrate with their families

their successes each day.

Implementation of online

Parent Pay system.