Parents' Info: Frequently Asked Questions
The Governing Body (Governors) in partnership with PTAF are working to improve communications between all those involved in the life of the school (CPS). A Government suggestion is that schools try out various ways of meeting and communicating with Parents in order to find what works best for them. As part of this process the Governors asked if the PTAF Class Representatives (Class Reps) would ask parents if they had any questions/issues to raise with Governors. These could then be discussed between the Governors and Class Reps and the answers communicated back to all parents.
The following questions were received by Class Reps and were discussed with the Governors and Head at a meeting on Monday 21 January 2008. After each question is a detailed answer. Where the discussion on the night added any extra points and/or actions these have been included.
1. The amount and quality of communication from each teacher at the start of the year and each term seems to vary from class to class. Could there be a standard format for sending information about the timetable, learning targets, and how parents can help to support learning over the coming term?
A. As part of the work on improving communications at CPS, the Head and staff reviewed the information given to parents and recognised that the amount and detail of information could be improved. Therefore, they are currently developing a standard format, as suggested, for teachers to follow. The aim is that all parents in each year group will get similar information in a common style. The information will of course differ from year to year, as the information needing to be sent also changes. However, all the information will have several points in common, including being written in a narrative style (story-like rather than bullet points) avoiding jargon and explaining the teacher's expectations of the child. All classes will be using the new format by September.
In addition, it is planned that the School website will have class sections on which this type of information could be hosted. An example of the sort of information some parents have said would be useful, are the weekly spelling lists, which many children "lose" requiring parents to ring classmates.
2. Could we have a "Rough Guide to Colston's"? It would be really helpful to have a simple guide to school life, from how cake sales operate through to how to sign your child up for a music lesson. It could be handed to all parents of children in reception and to parents of children who start at the school at any other time. It wouldn't need to be very complicated and would simply detail regular events (though not with dates, more: "every Christmas the school does carols by candlelight..."), explaining what they are and how to get involved. It could include information about where lost property is kept, how long lunch hour lasts, how snack-time operates, etc. The sheets already in existence regarding caps and zebras could be used along with the list of music options (days and fees), how swimming is run on a term on, term off basis and so on. Although this is similar to the prospectus - but none of this detail was in the prospectus received. Maybe parents could help in its production.
A. As mentioned in the answer to question 1 above, the Governors have identified that information could be improved and also plan to put much of what is detailed above on the School website. As a result of the discussion it was decided to include the relevant parts in future editions of the school prospectus. Several Class Reps also volunteered to work with the Governors and Head to draft and select the information needed.
3. Parents in reception are very happy regarding the nativity provision. Some parents in years 1 and 2 want to know if this could be a thing for all the infants? Some singing, some acting and a really nice opportunity for the infant school parents to come together at the end of the term.
A. The demands of the curriculum place severe time restraints on what additional items can be accommodated. In addition, staff resources are also stretched in organising the existing range of Christmas activities. Currently all children get many opportunities to experience dance and drama during the rest of the year especially during Art Week in July, to which parents are invited to participate as active art helpers or just spectators. To incorporate another event before Christmas would mean not doing the Carols by Candlelight event.
4. What can we, as a school community, do to mitigate our impact on climate change/global warming? Are we taking this issue seriously enough in the face of recent scientific debate?
A. The school is currently working towards gaining the Eco-schools award. A group of pupils, under direction from Yr1 teacher Amanda Davies, has been identifying what the school can do. The school already includes energy efficient measures where it can (e.g. new lighting installed in the summer of 2007 is much more efficient) and is looking at how it can reduce its waste and recycle more. A number of the Governors deal with environmental issues as part of their professional lives and therefore are very keen for Colston's to do what it can. However, it should be recognised that the age of our buildings and location in the centre of a city do restrict our options (e.g. our own wind turbine would not be cost efficient or easily obtain planning permission). Amanda would welcome any offers of help with the Eco-schools work, from parents with environmental skills/experience. A current Bristol initiative, highlighted during the discussion, is the promotion of fruit trees for gardens. Trees can be bought at cost prices by householders with the aim of helping the City produce more of its own food. For more information and to order a tree, go to: www.transitionbristol.org. Unfortunately there is no phone number for non-web people.
5. Can the school adopt a positive organic-only food policy in the school to send good messages to the children in terms of healthy eating and awareness of sustainability issues?
A. The existing Colston's food policy was written with parents in 2006 partly in response to the interest raised by Jamie Oliver's campaign and to ensure the school complied with government "healthy schools" guidance. CPS school dinners are provided by a City Council appointed contractor. In spring 2007 the Governors responded to a consultation from the Council on a new contract. Eden, the current contractor was appointed in September 2007 under a new contract which meets many of CPS concerns expressed in our response to the consultation. For example, the new contract requires that Eden will:
- Use fresh and seasonal items with low food miles;
- Use no genetically modified food;
- Consult with stakeholders, when changes to the menu need to be made and will introduce unfamiliar foods to pupils in advance of these changes through initiatives such as food tasting sessions;
- Change menus to reflect UK seasons of the year;
- Comply with the specific dietary requirements of cultural and religious groups;
- Work towards Key Performance Indicators regarding Fair trade initiatives;
- Develop and link into School curriculum activities. Eden will need to liaise with each school to understand their individual requirements;
- Manage tasting sessions under the marketing strategy;
- Provide effective and on-going communications to all stakeholders - cooks, staff, pupils, parents etc;
- Make menus flexible and tailored to meet the individual requirements of the School as far as possible including ethnic and cultural needs.
Colston's food policy has to address the needs of all pupils and therefore our aim for our school dinners is that they are healthy and affordable by all. Eden has to deliver a service that is financially viable and is therefore balancing the demands/requirements of stakeholders against the need to cover its costs. However, if it was found that a significant number of children would subscribe to a certain type of dinner menu then we would be happy to ask Eden to provide that option.
6. What are the Governors views on a dress code for the school? How can parents input into a discussion regarding a dress code?
Governors last consulted specifically regarding a dress code, with parents in 2002. At that time the overwhelming majority of parents were firmly against any enforced dress code. Some did ask for School badged items and in response to this a (now former) parent organised for the design of the existing range of sweatshirts and polo shirts. These have been enthusiastically adopted by a number of parents and children. However, the great majority of parents replied they believed that having no enforced code was a strength and attraction of Colston's and something that should be defended very strongly. Parents also felt that other neighbouring schools did offer a more 'traditional' approach and that by not following this option, Colston's was an important and valued alternative that parents could choose. In fact, many parents highlighted the lack of a dress code as a key reason why they had chosen Colston's for their children.
Governors therefore incorporated this feedback when the school vision was drafted. An important part of the Governors' role is to support Colston's in maintaining its 'difference' from other neighbouring schools, in a number of areas. The Governors and Head strongly believe Colston's culture is a key reason the School continues to receive a high number of applications for admission.
However, the school community is very fluid and our parent body in 2008 has changed from that in 2002. Comments from parents to the Inclusion Questionnaire last year, regarding a dress code/uniform were split evenly between supporters and those against. Governors have also expressed a range of views regarding dress codes during discussions. Therefore, the Governors asked the Head to consult with staff and children on their views regarding a dress code. This process was completed last term and the responses will be reported soon.
In the meantime a current parent has offered to take-over responsibility for the existing range of badged items and is looking to incorporate some parent requirements such as using organic cotton material and fair trade suppliers. In addition, a key aim of the redesign is to make the new clothes more attractive to the older children.
It should be noted that Colston's is required to follow strict DCFS guidelines regarding dress codes. These limit our options for action regarding sanctions against children/parents who do not comply with a dress code and Governors must ensure that a dress code does not discriminate against any child.
7. What level of supervision is in place at lunchtime for Reception children? In the hall, are children encouraged to eat ALL their lunch before going out to play? How many teachers per child help at this time and do they sit at tables with children?
Children are encouraged to eat all their food irrespective of it being a 'packed lunch' or cooked school dinners. The way this is managed may vary from child to child; some children can respond very positively to encouragement when it comes to eating food, others can be upset. Each of the 60 children has his/her personal eating habits, routines and expectations. CPS does not and cannot insist on children finishing their meal. This would only lead to a 'battle of wills' between staff and a small number of children. It would also make the overall meal experience for ALL children a very unpleasant one. Eating all the food on a plate may well be a custom in a family, but CPS cannot impose that custom on all children. Again, the school tries to be flexible whilst doing our best.
No teachers or teaching assistants are timetabled to supervise children during the lunchtime as this is also their lunchtime. However, the Head was unable to recall a day when a teacher or teachers or Teaching Assistant(s) were not present in the hall for part of or all of the lunchtime. They do this to ensure the continuing welfare of all Reception children. There are two Lunchtime Assistants permanently in the hall to assist children with their food. In addition there are two Reception Lunchtime Assistants (Betty and Christina) who are in the hall to assist and then escort the children back to the playground and stay with them until classroom time.
The Reception children take up 8 tables in the hall during their lunch and so it would be impossible to have a grown-up at each table. As with any other issue regarding a specific child please talk to either the child's class teacher or class teaching assistant if you have any concerns.
8. Can something be done about end of year school reports which seem too wordy and filled with jargon? Do the Govs agree that they are difficult to understand for parents without first hand knowledge of educational terms & phrases, and particularly difficult for parents whose first language is not English.
This was the first time the issue had been raised and so the Governors asked the Head to review the report contents with staff with the aim of making their style more personal and accessible by all as with the information referred to in question 1.