Communication with the School
How to Effectively Communicate with Sutton Valence Primary School
Parents are often discouraged when they attempt to communicate with school officials only to be referred to others in order to resolve a problem their child may be experiencing in school. To prevent that frustration, parents should become informed about the "Communication Process Flowchart" (see below). This sequence is in place to assist parents on where to begin their communication regarding their problem or concern.
Most parent and community questions are easily and completely answered by communicating directly with the staff member closest to the situation. As you move further along the flowchart, the staff are less directly involved and usually needs additional time to research the situation before they can give you an answer. If you do not hear back from the person you have contacted within 2 working days it is appropriate to reach out to them again before moving along to the next level of the flowchart. We do not expect your questions or concerns to go unanswered for a long period of time. Each situation should first be addressed at whatever level the initial action was taken with appeals moving on to the next level on the “Communication Process Flowchart.”
Area of concern: |
First Level |
Second Level |
Third Level |
Fourth level |
Curriculum |
Class Teacher |
Key Stage Leader |
Deputy Headteacher |
Headteacher |
Classroom Behaviour |
Class Teacher |
Key Stage Leader |
Deputy Headteacher |
Headteacher |
Inclusion Concerns |
Class Teacher |
N/A |
Inclusion Manager |
Headteacher |
Non- Class Based Behaviour |
Class Teacher |
Key Stage Leader |
Deputy Headteacher |
Headteacher |
Classroom Concerns |
Class Teacher |
Key Stage Leader |
Deputy Headteacher |
Headteacher |
Complaint |
Office Staff |
N/A |
Headteacher |
Governors |
School Lunches/ Letters/General Enquires |
Office Staff |
Key Stage Leader |
Deputy Headteacher |
Headteacher |
Making a change
In order to process a change, parents must first have met with the class teacher and put a plan in place. If after a school term there is still no change it would then be appropriate to move to the second level.
Please note: Classroom questions concerning your child should be addressed with your child’s teacher first. Allow for working days for a response. If no response is received from a teacher during that time, please remind them before moving up the chain.
Please note that compliments or acknowledgements of positive events can be directed to everyone along the chain. All of us appreciate hearing that there is something good that has happened. We all look forward to a wonderful school year with few complaints!