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 St. James’ is welcome to join any parent forum meeting. The forum will be chaired by Mr Maidment, Assistant Headteacher. 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?
We usually meet on a Monday once every term for about an hour. Meeting dates for 2023/24:
14th October 2024 6 – 7 pm
10th March 2025 6 – 7 pm
16th June 2025 6 – 7 pm
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 on opportunity for an open discussion.
It is not the forum to discuss concerns or complaints involving individual children, families or members of staff.
How can I raise an issue?
Come to the meeting and bring it up during the open discussion. If you are unable to attend, please email the School Office at office@stjamescheadle.co.uk so that any issues or concerns can be discussed at the meeting.
Parent Forum 2023/24 – some key actions
| You said | We did |
| How to further improve communication between school and home | Weekly letter sent by Mr Pontifex
Half termly update on the curriculum sent by Dr Guscott Revamped, clearer school website More clarity on communicating timing of events, school fixtures, trips |
| Cost of uniform | All suppliers advertised on school website
Number of branded items reduced to a minimum Improved advertising of second hand uniform |
| Further improving the rewards system | Consultation with the School Council
Introduction of new value passes Introduction of new system of reward experiences by Mr Maidment |
| Further improving the lunchtime experience of St. James’ pupils | School Council consultation about school food
Better vegetarian/healthy options New rota system to vary times in for year groups at lunch Pre-ordering system for pupils Continuing to monitor and ensure school toilet provision |
| Better Careers information for all pupils | Improved schemes of work for all year groups
Careers Convention for Years 10 and 11 Apprenticeship information for students Wide variety of careers experienced for all pupils Appointment of Miss Ashworth, careers adviser |
| Improving provision for pupil mental health and wellbeing | Appointment of new pastoral manager and safeguarding/mental health leads
Participation in the BeeWell initiative Mental Health Awareness Week Introduction of termly subject and wellbeing target checks |
| Parents’ evenings | Parents’ Evenings on School Cloud |
