Headteacher's update
Thank you to everyone who came to our parent café this week on X-Tables and the previous week on a new research project. With this newsletter you will see the outcomes of the previous research project which found that reduced technology before bedtime helped children feel better and focus more in the classroom. The parent research group will be asking you to vote on a homework alternative- what happens if we change the name of homework and the system from online to practical- 'the 15 minute club' or a 'mindful journaling project'. What happens if everyone journals at home too? We will be sending you out a survey to select your project and then an opportunity to sign up your child to the project.
Communications
You have told us that you would like us to clarify how we communicate with you so you know how to contact us and how and when we will respond. If you have a problem or a concern please let us know, we want to help. We often only hear when things are going wrong. Please remember that our admin team are often your first point of contact and are here to help, so please be mindful they are simply taking your message and should not be shouted at or open abusive emails. If you want to let me know when things are going great, I will also pass on that communication too. It was lovely to receive a thank you email from a parent of one of our Year 6s who wanted us to know what a great time their child had on their school journey and could I pass that on to all the staff that went. It is emails like this that also make staff's day.
These can be by phone 01707 262556 the admin team will take your message and pass this on to the relevant person. They will ask you for some details so we have the right information to get it to the right person. If you are ringing regarding a bullying concern they will ask you for some information so that we can conduct an investigation before we ring you back. The teacher or relevant staff member will then respond within 48-72 hours (2-3 working days). If messages are urgent- safeguarding - a response will be made the same day.
Enquiries around SEND inco@greenlanes.herts.sch.uk if you are requiring support paperwork this can take longer and other staff will need to add to this so we ask for 5 working days notice. Every 6-8 weeks if your child is on our SEND register, you can have an update meeting that normally takes place the week before the parent consultation week. Look out for the email inviting you to book a virtual or face to face appointment. This means that you have an update every half term on your child.
Virtual consultations- you are invited for a 10 minute parent/carer consultation appointment with your class teacher to find out how your child is getting on.
Book looks- every term we invite you into the classrooms to look at your child's work. This normally follows the parent consultations so you can see what the teacher has been talking about. We also have a 'meet the teacher' week in the first week of the year.
School reports- we send you a termly learning and progress update report with a final year report at the end of the school year.
Enquiries for our family worker Maria Panter mpanter@greenlanes.herts.sch.uk note working hours Mon-Thurs
Enquiries for the governors governors@greenlanes.herts.sch.uk
Enquiries for the headteacher head@greenlanes.herts.sch.uk any concerns around bullying or staff conduct.
In person at drop off and pick-up times- a member of staff is always available on the KS2 playground and front gate. Teachers are also happy to chat about any question or concern you have at the end of a school day rather than a morning when they are about to teach. Change of pick-up arrangements can be given on the gates in the morning.
We use Arbor app to send you messages or emails you can also respond to us using this system
Response times
Staff will respond to you during working hours and most likely at the end of a teaching day 3:30-4:30pm. This will normally be within 48-72 hours (2-3 working days) of the enquiry or question- for some enquiries it may take us a little longer. The communication may vary, such as email or telephone call or a face to face meeting. If a meeting is required this will normally be within 5 working days. If multiple members of staff are required at the meeting then this may exceed the 5 working day aim.
All communications are sent to the admin team who will then distribute these same day to the relevant person/s.
Respectful communications
All communications should be respectful and polite. Staff will communicate in a respectful and professional manner. Parents/carers will also be expected to respond in a respectful and polite manner. In the rare occurrence where communication is aggressive, abusive or vexatious further action will be taken, for example parent/carer banned from school site or police involvement.
Now you know how to contact us, why not send us a message. We would love to hear from you,
