Headteacher: Parents are central to the life blood of the school; we have parents who help in all manner of ways in the school. From coming in and actually helping in classes, Golden Time, they're on Terrific Tuck, they take after-school sports clubs, they take children to the football tournaments that we're involved in, they are really making a difference in Allan's Primary School.
Parent: Initially we got involved with The Tops, which is an after school club that they do on a Tuesday evening and it gets the children active for an hour and it's a voluntary thing but that helps us to get involved with the school, with the Primary 2s and 3s and it's a great club and it's good fun. We're also encouraged to come and help with Golden Time which we do on a Friday afternoon with the Primary 1s and 2s and there's a variety of creative activities that they get involved in - I think the muckier the better, but it certainly helps them to enjoy their week and they know that if they work hard, that it's a treat for them at the end of the day, and it's nice to get in and work with your own class and your own children. I've also been involved in the Eco Schools group and we've just attained our Green Flag in the past year as well, which is a tremendous achievement.
Headteacher: The parents in the school are consulted on the work of the school through focus groups. We had a focus group recently on developing values, and that was a very successful involvement and partnership with parents. The parents also have the opportunity to fill in, to complete a questionnaire that asks them about the work at the school and gives an opportunity for free comment as well and that feeds in to how we develop and plan for improvement in the school. We try to improve, constantly, the ways that we communicate with parents and the ways that we give them opportunities to be involved, that we share information.
Teacher: It's a family school... now that's easy said, but to me it really is a family school. I think that the difference is that they go beyond the rhetoric here, so if I can break down 'family' what does it mean... the teachers are the family, the teachers get to know the families who attend. That encourages involvement and once they're involved, they take ownership.
Parent: It is, primarily, a community. The teachers work as a team, but the pupils are part of that team and, indeed, I - as a parent - am part of that team as well. From day one, I have been welcomed in this school; there is an open door policy. I am welcome to phone the headteacher or, indeed, the class teacher at anytime and I can approach with any fears of concerns... but I know that my fears and concerns will be taken seriously, if I have any.
Journey to Excellence: What's new RSS