Communication with Families

At Peppard Church of England Primary School, we value strong and positive communication with our families. Our school values of Kindness, Respect and Resilience underpin all interactions between home and school. To help us respond to queries, feedback or concerns as efficiently as possible, we ask that you consider who the most appropriate member of staff is to deal with your enquiry. This helps us best meet your child’s learning, emotional and physical needs.

In the first instance, please email the school office at office@peppardprimary.co.uk, clearly indicating who your email is addressed to and stating the purpose in the subject line. For all general enquiries, including medical matters, the office team will help direct your query to the relevant member of staff. Queries of an educational nature can often be resolved most quickly when directed to the class teacher.

Emails will be acknowledged within two working days. Staff will reply as soon as they are able; however, if your query is complex, it may take longer to follow up. We aim to provide a full response or arrange a meeting within five working days.

If further support is required, the following guide will help ensure your enquiry reaches the correct member of staff:

Headteacher – Mrs Wakefield
Responsible for the overall leadership of the school, including the quality of teaching, learning and behaviour, and oversight of behaviour and curriculum development across the school, ensuring the smooth running of the school.

SENCo / Inclusion Lead – Miss Lawreance
Responsible for the learning needs of children on the SEND register. This role includes monitoring progress and reviewing provision alongside class teachers.

Designated Safeguarding Leads – Mrs Wakefield, Mrs Claridge and Miss Lawrence
Responsible for the safeguarding and wellbeing of all children.

How we communicate with you

The school uses a variety of methods to keep in touch with parents and carers.

1. Weekly Newsletter
Our weekly newsletter provides information about school life, upcoming events and celebrations of learning. It is emailed to parents and published on the school website.

2. Email
Most communication between school and home is via email. Please check your inbox regularly and inform us if your email address changes.

3. Text Messages
We occasionally send text messages regarding events or urgent updates such as school closures. It is important we have up-to-date mobile numbers at all times.

4. Website
Our website contains key information, policies and news about school life.

5. Face-to-Face Meetings
Sometimes it is best to speak in person about a specific matter. Please contact the school office to arrange an appointment.

When your child joins our school, you will complete an admission form providing your contact details. Each year we send a data-checking form and emergency contact card for review. Please inform us promptly of any changes to your address, phone number, email address or workplace.

WhatsApp Groups

To support communication between parents and carers, classes operate WhatsApp groups independently of the school.

Class WhatsApp Groups

These groups can be a helpful way to share information relevant to school. Messages are shared by parents in a personal capacity or forwarded on behalf of the PTA. The school does not post directly in parent/carer WhatsApp groups.

Code of Conduct

Parents are asked to follow these guidelines when using class WhatsApp groups:

• Do not use the group to air grievances about staff, pupils or parents.

• Do not use the group as a platform for political views.

• Do not use the group for private conversations.

• Communicate with mutual respect and cultural sensitivity.

The school considers the following online activity inappropriate:

• Abusive or personal comments about staff, pupils or parents

• Bringing the school into disrepute

• Posting defamatory or libellous comments

• Circulating emails containing abusive or personal comments about staff or pupils

• Publicly challenging school policies or discussing individual children on social media

• Threatening behaviour or the use of inappropriate language

The school takes safeguarding responsibilities seriously and will address any reported incidents appropriately.

Raising Concerns

If you are concerned about inappropriate comments on a class WhatsApp group, please contact your class representative, who will liaise with the Senior Leadership Team.