Working in partnership with families
We believe that educating and caring for a child should be a partnership between home and school and we want our parents and carers to be as involved with their children's learning as possible.
We have over 500 parents connected with the school and we try as much as possible to meet everyone as quickly as possible. We try and find a private space for you to speak about your concern. Sometimes we might need another professional to give another perspective or expertise. We want an equitable relationship with families where we respect the information you provide and we share how we work. This works best when our staff are treated respectfully, calmly and not in an aggressive manner.
Please click here to read the parent handbook for this academic year (2021-22).
Please click here to read our booklet supporting parent conversations during our parent consultation days.
Who can I contact in school if I have a query?
I want to talk to someone about my child’s learning and well-being...
In the first instance, it is important to have a discussion with the class teacher. They are really happy to listen to your views, find out what you know and share how we are working with your child at school. The best time for class teachers is after school. Please ask the office for an appointment (contact details here) with the teacher and we will make an appointment that gives both you and the teacher enough time to discuss it in depth. A phase leader (such as one of the year group leaders may be able to help as well).
I want to talk about an absence, attendance or punctuality...
We have an attendance officer, Miss Becky Pether, that will support any of your concerns around attendance. You may contact her at school by calling the school number.
We also have a number of home school link workers that are available to talk too about attendance if your child is struggling to come to school. They can provide you with ideas and support to ensure your child gets a really good education through good attendance and punctuality. The school office has relevant forms and can also help with attendance and absence.
I want to talk about my child’s special needs (learning, medical, physical or mental well-being)...
You may wish to talk with the class teacher or the Special Educational Needs and Disability Coordinator (SENDCo), Mr Ben Scott. The office will be able to make an appointment for you and the school to meet.
Please click here for our SEN information report.
I want to talk about paying for school lunches, trips, visits, uniform...
The school office has payment plans and details of free school meals, etc. Please pop in, call us or email us with your query.
We have a hardship fund for families in need for uniform. Please contact the family support workers if this applies to you.
I want to talk to someone about a safeguarding matter (if you’re worried about a child’s safety)...
We have a number of trained safeguarding leads at Orchard Meadow. We work as a team to ensure all matters related to the safeguarding of our whole community are addressed and supported through a mulit-agency approach.
Please see the safeguarding section of this website for more information and resources and to meet the team.
In the reception you will see they are displayed with photos that will help you identify them.
If you have a concern that you wish to share with someone, please speak with the school office initally and they will pass you on to the relevant person. Different concerns can sometimes mean different professionals.
Immediate Danger:
If you think a child is in immediate danger, call the police on 999.
Immediate Concern:
If you have a concern about a child, please call MASH (Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub) on 0345 050 7666
Useful links to support well-being and gain further advice:
Young minds has a lot of information and support for parents.
Parenting with a mental illness support information click here
If you're concerned about a child or young person's mental health, you can get free, confidential advice via phone, email or webchat from the Young Minds Parents Helpline.
For children there is Childline: under 19s can call 0800 1111 for free, confidential support
Self care information from Anna Freud Centre